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Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing

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A cozy, warmly spiced quick bread with a rich aroma of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon. Topped with a bright orange icing for a delightful contrast.

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
  • 2 to 3 Tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease an 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the molasses and hot water until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients and the molasses mixture alternately to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 1 hour.
  10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For the icing, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and 2 to 3 Tablespoons of orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Notes

For a sweeter crust, sprinkle a light pinch of confectioners’ sugar on top just before baking. Store sliced gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, loaf, cake, orange icing, holiday baking, dessert, cozy

Find it online: https://swifttasty.com/gingerbread-loaf-orange-icing/