Gingerbread Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup (75g) brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup (160ml) molasses
• 1 cup (240ml) water (lukewarm)
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup (4oz) cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   --- For the loaf: ---

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9x5" loaf pan.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Mix in the egg and then slowly mix in the molasses.

4. 4

   Sift in flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mix on low speed until just combined.

5. 5

   With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the lukewarm water. Mix until smooth and combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

6. 6

   Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

7. 7

   --- For the frosting: ---

8. 8

   Beat the cream cheese and butter until combined. Mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue mixing until smooth.

9. 9

   Cover and chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to firm up the frosting (if needed), then spread on top of cooled gingerbread loaf.