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Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing

A cozy, old-fashioned quick bread filled with warm spice and topped with bright orange icing. Ideal for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup unsulphured or dark molasses
  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 23 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. Combine the molasses and hot water in another bowl until smooth.
  4. Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and molasses mixture alternately to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 1 hour, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Whisk the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Notes

Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the cup. Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, quick bread, holiday baking, orange icing, winter treats