Description
Warm spices dance through this gingerbread honey loaf, inviting comfort and nostalgia with each tender slice. Molasses and honey blend seamlessly, creating a rich, aromatic treat perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (85 grams) molasses
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Optional Ingredient:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) finely chopped crystallized ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour coating.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until thoroughly blended.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until light and airy, then incorporate honey and molasses, mixing until fully integrated.
- Add eggs individually to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition, then gradually introduce buttermilk while continuing to mix.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, then incorporate crystallized ginger if desired.
- Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the loaf is fully cooked.
- Allow loaf to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- For optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over cooled loaf.
Notes
- Enhance the ginger flavor by toasting ground ginger in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before mixing with other dry ingredients, which will intensify its warmth and complexity.
- Substitute buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version that maintains moisture and tanginess.
- Prevent crystallized ginger from sinking by tossing it in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the loaf.
- Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its soft texture and prevent drying out for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 175 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg