With no oil needed, this Easy Gingerbread Loaf cake is fantastic for fall and winter baking! Thanks to apple butter, this sweet bread stays moist and tender without the need for extra oils.
This fantastic ginger loaf cake is ideal for autumn and great to make as an edible gift for teachers or neighbors during the holidays. Pair with an apple butter cream cheese for a super special treat!
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🩵 About This Recipe
Moist and tender, this loaf cake is packed with nostalgic gingerbread flavor! It doesn't use any oil and instead relies on tasty apple butter for the perfect texture.
With the option to add a simple apple butter cream cheese, this is perfect as a dessert but can also be served as a special brunch or breakfast treat.
And if you love this gingerbread loaf, some other great baking options are this Eggless Banana Bread or a unique and tropical Pineapple Banana Bread!
Looking for more gingerbread recipes? Try this one for Gingerbread Scones, perfect for breakfast or a snack!
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- flour - regular all purpose flour or cake flour both work fine.
- sugar - provides sweetness that balances the spiciness of the ginger and other warm spices.
- baking powder and baking soda - using both baking soda and powder ensures that the loaf cake will be nice and fluffy.
- spices - channel the flavor of holiday gingerbread with a combination of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and of course, ginger!
- eggs - provide structure to the cake and add richness.
- apple butter - this autumnal condiment is the perfect oil substitute and pairs well with the gingerbread flavors.
- milk - use a skim milk or non-dairy substitute for a slightly lighter version.
- maple syrup - for some additional natural sweetness.
🔪 Let's Make a Gingerbread Loaf!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, apple butter, milk, and syrup.
Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and carefully fold together until a consistent batter forms.
Transfer to Pan
Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about an hour.
Make Cream Cheese Frosting
While the loaf cake bakes, combine apple butter with whipped cream cheese. Once the loaves have cooled, spread over top, or serve on the side.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don't overmix the batter or the finished loaf cake might be overly tough or chewy. A few lumps here and there are okay.
- Bake in mini loaf pans for 30 to 40 minutes instead for faster baking.
- Use a toothpick to check the center of the loaf for doneness.
❔ FAQs
If you want that classic bakery look, pipe a thin line of melted butter down the center of the batter before you bake it.
Using a standard loaf pan is the best option when making this gingerbread loaf! The standard pan is 9x5 or 8.5x4.5 -- the results will be similar either way.
No, ground ginger and ginger powder are the same thing. The term "ground ginger" refers to ginger that has been dried and finely powdered, and it’s commonly used in baking and cooking. Both terms are used interchangeably.
🎁 Kristin’s Handpicked Gift Ideas!
Looking for the perfect gift ideas for family or friends? I've got you covered with carefully curated gift guides! From kitchen essentials to unique picks for kids or grandkids, these will help you find just the thing to make them feel special!
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Add a half cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon chips.
- Give your gingerbread loaf a pop of citrus flavor with a bit of lemon zest or orange zest.
- Feel free to add some of the spices into the apple butter cream cheese frosting as well for additional flavor.
Kristin’s Kitchen Tip
To make sure your gingerbread loaf doesn't stick to the pan, give it a spritz with some cooking spray or line with parchment paper!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
This ginger loaf cake keeps well at room temperature or in the fridge. Cover well with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container for up to a week.
You can also freeze your loaf for several months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating is optional, but toasting or microwaving a slice of loaf cake is a great way to get it warm again!
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this gingerbread loaf recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
For an even more indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream. You can also dust with some powdered sugar, and if you're making this around the holidays, some candied ginger and dried cranberries will give it a super festive presentation!
😋 More Fall Recipes You'll Love
- Cheddar Pumpkin Grilled Cheese - This healthier version of grilled cheese features a creamy pumpkin filling.
- Wasabi Mashed Potatoes - A fun twist on the classic side with a unique kick of heat.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls - Simple to make, these homemade pastries are great for a special brunch or dessert.
- Chicken Cobbler Casserole - This hearty casserole from Butter Your Biscuit is the perfect hearty fall dinner!
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Ginger Loaf Cake
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📋 Recipe Card
Easy Gingerbread Loaf
Ingredients
For the gingerbread loaf:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup apple butter
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
For the optional apple butter cream cheese spread:
- 3 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple butter
Instructions
For the gingerbread loaf:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.4 cups flour, 1 ¾ cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, apple butter, milk, and maple syrup.2 eggs, ¾ cup apple butter, 1 ½ cups milk, 1 cup pure maple syrup
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into two 9x5 inch loaf pans then bake for about 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and remove from loaf pan.
For the optional apple butter cream cheese spread:
- Combine the cream cheese with the apple butter.1 ½ tablespoons apple butter, 3 ounces whipped cream cheese
Notes
- Overmixing can cause the loaf to be dense, so mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
- To reduce the baking time, you can bake the batter in mini loaf pans. These smaller loaves will take about 30-40 minutes to bake.
- Stir in ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), raisins, or chocolate chips to give the loaf extra texture and flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy contrast to the spices.
- Add spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves) as desired into the apple butter cream cheese to taste.
Additional Serving Suggestions:
- When serving, microwave a slice for 10 seconds or so to warm it.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or whipped coconut cream for an indulgent treat.
- Decorate the loaf with a dusting of powdered sugar and top with dried cranberries or candied ginger for a festive holiday presentation.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in September 2013, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in September 2024.
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Maggie at The Love Nerds says
I am always excited to find a new recipe to make with my homemade apple butter. This looks absolutely delicious!!
Kenneth Goh says
Love this recipe. I presume this is a type of quick break. Pin it for my future homework. From DBB.
Britni @ Play. Party. Pin. says
I'm really not sure what the difference is between gingerbread cake and a gingerbread loaf but either way this looks delicious!
Kristin King says
Haha, I agree Britni! Maybe it is just the pan it gets baked in! But, like you said, either way it is delicious! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle says
That looks great! Definitely want to try it! It's been a long time since we had apple butter too...yum!
PJ @ Planned in Pencil says
Sign me up for apple butter cream cheese! I'm pinning, and thanks so much for sharing it at the Pinworthy Project Party!
sarah @ Thank You Honey says
Looks amazing!! Thank so much for sharing on Thank You Honey’s Whatever Wednesday Party! Hope to see you this week!
Sarah!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
I haven't used apple butter in baking as yet. This season I have seen it used in many more recipes. Your recipe sounds delicious and I love the addition of the apple butter cream cheese spread. Thanks for sharing this with Foodie Friends Friday.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Joanne