Description

This Gingerbread Loaf recipe offers a moist, warmly spiced treat perfect for the holiday season or any cozy dessert craving. Infused with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and fresh orange zest, it balances sweet and citrusy flavors beautifully. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and garnished with candied ginger, dried cranberries, and zesty orange sugar, this loaf is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
1½ cups white sugar
¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest, plus more for serving
½ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 large orange)

Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar
4 ounces cream cheese
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream

Garnishes (Optional)

Candied ginger, roughly chopped
Orange zest mixed with 1 teaspoon white sugar
Dried cranberries, roughly chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Grease a metal 9 × 5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and white sugar until combined. Then add the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well integrated.
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring after each addition to incorporate gently without overmixing, which could toughen the loaf.
Bake the loaf: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Place it on the lower rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan before removing.
Prepare the frosting: While the loaf is baking or cooling, prepare the frosting by creaming together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, then add more, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—smooth and spreadable.
Frost and garnish: Once the loaf has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with optional candied ginger, the sugar-mixed orange zest, and chopped dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor and festive decoration.

Notes

Ensure the loaf has cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Applesauce serves as a moistening agent and a healthier alternative to more oil or butter.
You can substitute the orange juice and zest with lemon for a different citrus twist.
Store the leftover loaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a dairy-free version, replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives.