Gingerbread Loaf Lemon Glaze (Printable)
Warm spiced loaf with a tangy lemon cream cheese glaze, ideal for cozy gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Gingerbread Loaf
01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
12 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
15 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
19 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
20 - Pinch of salt
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl; set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then add molasses and mix until combined.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently; pour in milk and stir, then add remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth surface, and bake for 48 to 55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
07 - Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth; adjust lemon juice for desired consistency.
09 - Drizzle glaze over completely cooled loaf and allow to set before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The molasses gives you that dark, honest flavor that doesn't need fancy techniques to shine.
- That lemon glaze cuts through the spice in a way that makes you want another slice before the first one is finished.
- It stays soft for days, making it perfect for sneaking bites from your kitchen counter.
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients mix smoother and create a finer crumb—cold eggs and milk make for a heavier loaf that never quite reaches its potential.
- A toothpick in the center is your true guide, not a timer—some ovens run hot and you don't want dried-out gingerbread.
- The lemon zest is non-negotiable for the glaze—powdered lemon juice just tastes like sadness by comparison.
03 -
- Sift your powdered sugar for the glaze—lumpy glaze is not the vibe, and one minute of effort prevents grittiness.
- Let the glaze ingredients come fully to room temperature before beating, otherwise you'll end up with a separated mess instead of something smooth and spreadable.