Name: Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Ingredients: ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 cup applesauce; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar

Moist gingerbread loaf made with applesauce, warm spices, and topped with cream cheese frosting. Cozy, rich, and holiday-perfect!

I remember the first time I tried the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf—I was in line behind three people ordering drinks longer than my holiday to-do list, but I spotted that little glazed loaf in the bakery case and impulsively grabbed it. No regrets. One bite and I was hooked. It was cozy, sweet, spicy… basically Christmas in loaf form.

But let me tell you something even better: making it at home. Yep, you can whip up this dreamy loaf in your own kitchen, and dare I say it’s even more comforting than the Starbucks version. (Bonus: you don’t need to put on pants or pronounce “venti” correctly.)

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Recipe?

Let’s be real—holiday baking can get a little extra, right? I mean, rolling dough, cutting shapes, the whole kitchen looks like a powdered sugar explosion. That’s why I love this loaf. It’s simple, unfussy, and it hits all the warm-and-fuzzy notes without the drama.

This gingerbread loaf is:

Ridiculously moist thanks to applesauce.
Spiced with just the right combo of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Frosted with a rich, tangy cream cheese layer that’s the stuff of dreams.
Make-ahead friendly (yes please).

Basically, it’s a holiday hug in baked form. And isn’t that what we all need?

Ingredient Notes:

Before we jump into the how-to, let me give you the lowdown on the ingredients—and why they matter:

Unsalted Butter: We’re creaming it with sugar for that soft, fluffy texture. Room temp is key.
Granulated Sugar: Sweet but not overpowering. Keeps the spices center stage.
Vanilla & Egg: Vanilla for warmth, egg for structure. They’re the glue here.
Applesauce: This is my not-so-secret weapon. It adds insane moisture and a little sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the loaf—keep it simple.
Baking Soda: Helps it rise. Don’t skip it.
Warm Spices: Ginger (of course), cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Classic holiday flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Because what’s a Starbucks loaf without that thick, glorious frosting?

How To Make Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf?

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Heat that oven to 350°F and line your 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Grease it too—trust me, you’ll want easy cleanup.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a big bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Don’t rush this—it’s what gives the loaf that bakery-quality texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla and egg, then stir in the applesauce. It might look a little separated at first, but it’ll all come together.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all those glorious spices. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—we want tender, not tough.

Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Your house is going to smell unreal. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Frost
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, whip up the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread that glorious frosting thickly over the loaf.

Storage Options:

Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s honestly amazing cold too. You can also freeze the unfrosted loaf for up to 2 months—just thaw and frost when ready.

Variations and Substitutions:

Let’s say you want to switch things up:

Add-ins? Toss in some chopped candied ginger or walnuts.
No applesauce? Mashed banana works in a pinch, though it’ll add a bit of flavor.
Want it gluten-free? Sub in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your baking soda and spices are gluten-free too.

What to Serve with Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf?

Besides sneaking a slice straight from the fridge at midnight? Try these:

A big mug of chai or spiced black tea.
Warm cider with a splash of bourbon (it’s the holidays, no judgment).
A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake it the night before and frost the next day. It actually tastes even better once it sits a bit.

Do I have to frost it?
Nope. It’s great on its own. But the frosting is half the joy, so I say go for it.

Can I bake this in mini loaf pans?
Yes! Just reduce the bake time to about 30-35 minutes and keep an eye on them.

I hope this Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf brings you as much joy (and sanity) as it brings me every year. Whether you’re baking it for your family, your neighbors, or just for you (zero judgment here), it’s bound to become a holiday favorite.

So—what do you think? Gonna give it a try? I’d love to hear how it goes. Snap a pic, drop a comment, or just let me know how fast it disappeared.

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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