Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
This copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf is moist, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. A festive and comforting treat perfect for the holiday season.
10 Servings
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Loaf:
- 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
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal after baking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the vanilla extract and egg to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. Stir in the applesauce until smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix, which could result in a denser loaf.
Bake the Loaf:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf emerges clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting reaches a creamy, lump-free consistency.
Frost the Loaf:
- Once the loaf has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum or a similar binder. Ensure that your baking soda and powdered sugar are certified gluten-free, as some brands may include additives.