Name: Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 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 fresh ground pepper; 2/3 cup (226g) unsulphured or dark molasses; 3/4 cup (180g/ml) hot water (about 100°F / 38°C); 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 2–3 Tablespoons (30–45ml) orange juice

There’s something undeniably cozy about a slice of warm gingerbread, especially when it’s kissed with a zesty glaze. This Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe strikes that perfect balance between comforting spices and bright citrus, making it an absolute must-bake for chilly afternoons or holiday gatherings.

A single slice of dark brown chocolate cake sits on a shiny white plate with a slightly wavy edge. The cake has one thick layer showing a moist, crumbly texture and a thin layer of light cream frosting visible along the bottom edge. A small red cherry rests on top near the edge. In front of the slice, a silver fork holds a small bite of cake with some cream frosting. A few crumbs and a second red cherry are scattered around the plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this spiced gingerbread loaf because it’s one of those recipes that feels both classic and fresh. The fragrant spices combined with a bright orange icing make it so special, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up anytime you want to impress or just treat yourself.

Rich Spice Blend: The mix of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and even a hint of fresh ground pepper adds depth and warmth that fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the molasses and careful mixing, each bite melts in your mouth instead of feeling dense or dry.
Bright Orange Icing: The citrus icing cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing zing that keeps this loaf from feeling too heavy.
Versatile and Easy: Whether you bake it as a loaf or turn it into muffins, this recipe adapts effortlessly to your schedule and occasion.

A dark brown chocolate loaf cake is shown sliced on a white marbled surface, revealing two thick layers of dense, moist cake. The cake is topped with a smooth, creamy white glaze that drips slightly down the sides and is decorated with a small cluster of bright red berries placed on top. The texture of the cake looks soft and rich with a slightly crumbly edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe are all about layering flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy, just a well-rounded spice mix and good-quality molasses to get that authentic gingerbread taste. Picking the right molasses makes a big difference, so take a moment at the store to choose one that’s dark and rich but not overpowering.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking soda, a small white bowl with ground ginger, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground cloves, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of fresh ground pepper, a small white bowl of dark molasses, a small white bowl of hot water, a few tablespoons of softened unsalted butter shaped as a smooth pat, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white bowl of sifted confectioners’ sugar, a small white bowl of fresh orange juice, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base of our loaf, providing structure without weighing it down.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and stay tender.
Ground ginger: The star spice that gives gingerbread its signature warmth and bite.
Ground cinnamon: Adds sweet, woody notes that complement the ginger beautifully.
Ground cloves: Just a touch to deepen the flavor—too much can be overpowering, so measure carefully!
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the spices.
Fresh ground pepper: A tiny surprise element to add complexity—you might be skeptical but trust me, it works wonders.
Molasses: Use unsulphured or dark molasses for a rich, slightly smoky sweetness; avoid blackstrap for this bake.
Hot water: Loosens the batter and helps bloom the spices for a deeper aroma.
Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy texture and added richness.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel-like notes.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and supports the structure.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds off the spice blend beautifully.
Confectioners’ sugar: For the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth orange icing.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed adds a lively citrus punch to the glaze.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this loaf depending on the season or mood. Sometimes I boost the spices a bit for a more intense gingerbread punch, or swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly different caramel flavor. You can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs!

Variation: Once, I added a handful of chopped crystallized ginger to the batter for extra zing—it was a hit at a winter brunch!
Dairy-Free Option: Try using coconut oil instead of butter, which works beautifully and gives a subtle tropical note.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend made for baking—just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Mini Muffins: Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-22 minutes; these make perfect bite-sized treats.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients

I start by adjusting the oven rack to the lower third and preheating it to 350°F (177°C). Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the gingerbread won't stick. Then whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a medium bowl. Whisking now prevents clumps later — trust me, it makes the batter so much easier to work with.

Step 2: Blend Molasses and Hot Water

In a separate bowl, whisk the molasses and hot water together until fully combined. The warm water helps dissolve the molasses and lets those spicy notes really bloom. It also keeps the batter nice and moist.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat your softened butter on high speed until it's smooth and creamy—about a minute. Then add the brown sugar and continue beating for another minute. Scraping down the bowl ensures everything is evenly mixed, which is key to a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, on medium-high speed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything’s just combined. Remember to scrape the sides and bottom once more to keep the mixture smooth and well integrated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Molasses Mixture

On low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and molasses-water mixture into the butter mixture in three parts. Mix just until incorporated after each addition—overmixing can make the loaf tough, and this batter will be on the thinner side, which is perfect. Use a whisk to smooth out any lumps for an even texture.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Since ovens vary, start checking around 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a couple moist crumbs, never wet batter. Let the loaf cool completely in the pan sitting on a wire rack before you remove it — this keeps it from breaking apart.

Step 7: Whip Up the Orange Icing and Drizzle

Once your loaf has cooled, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the icing generously over the top — the vibrant tang cuts through the richness and makes every slice irresistibly fresh.

Top Tip

I’ve baked this loaf dozens of times, and these tips helped me avoid common pitfalls to get the best flavor and texture—you’ll appreciate them too!

Don’t Skip the Pepper: Even just a tiny bit of fresh ground pepper adds a subtle warmth that brings out all the spices beautifully.
Don’t Overmix: The batter being thin is exactly right—mix just until everything is combined to keep the loaf tender.
Cool Completely Before Icing: If the loaf is warm, the icing will melt and run off, so patience pays off here.
Molasses Choice Matters: Using a dark, unsulphured molasses gives that classic gingerbread richness without bitterness.

How to Serve Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the loaf with a few candied orange slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger. It adds a festive look and a little extra zing that pairs perfectly with the orange icing.

Side Dishes

This gingerbread loaf goes wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it dessert-style. For tea time, a warm chai or spiced black tea complements those gingerbread spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

During the holidays, I sometimes slice the loaf into mini pieces, stack them on a pretty plate, and drizzle extra orange icing over the top for a festive centerpiece. Adding a sprig of rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar can turn it into an eye-catching gift or party feature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and iced, I cover the loaf tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps perfectly for up to 5 days, and funnily enough, the flavors deepen and improve after a day or two.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully. I usually wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. When I want a treat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving. You’d never guess it was frozen!

Reheating

I prefer to enjoy this gingerbread loaf at room temp, but if you'd like it warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, wrapping the slice loosely in foil and warming it in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes works wonders without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture right. It may change the crumb slightly but will still be delicious.

What kind of molasses works best in this gingerbread loaf?

Use unsulphured or dark molasses for the best flavor—Grandma’s brand is a personal favorite. Avoid blackstrap molasses as it can impart a bitter note that overwhelms the other ingredients.

How do I know when the gingerbread loaf is done baking?

The best test is the toothpick method: insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your loaf is perfectly baked.

Can I use the batter to make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! This batter works wonderfully for muffins. Simply spoon the batter into greased or lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20-22 minutes. They’re perfect for grab-and-go treats or smaller portions.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Icing Recipe isn’t just a seasonal treat to me—it’s a memory-maker. The warmth of the spices, the brightness from the orange glaze, and the simple pleasure of slicing into that tender crumb always bring a smile. I encourage you to give it a try, maybe even share it with friends over a cup of tea or coffee. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.