Welcome to your new favorite homemade treat! This Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just a dessert; it’s a comforting experience that tastes even better when baked fresh in your own kitchen. Imagine a perfectly moist, deeply spiced gingerbread loaf, generously crowned with a thick, irresistibly creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect blend of festive flavors and a cozy, familiar sweetness, reminiscent of your favorite coffee shop indulgence but with all the warmth of homemade goodness.
Unveiling the Magic: Your Homemade Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating beloved bakery treats at home. After perfecting the Starbucks Lemon Loaf, it was only natural to tackle another seasonal favorite: the iconic Gingerbread Loaf. This recipe has been a labor of love, developed to ensure every slice delivers that signature Starbucks taste and texture, but with an enhanced, homemade touch. My initial attempts weren’t quite there – I was striving for a loaf that wasn’t just good, but exceptionally moist and flavorful, just like you’d expect from a premium bakery item. And yes, I admit, the frosting was a happy accident of abundance!
The Secret to Ultimate Moistness: Apple Butter
The quest for the perfect, tender gingerbread loaf led me back to the drawing board. I knew it needed an extra boost of moisture, something beyond just butter and eggs. After experimenting with both applesauce and apple butter, the clear winner emerged: apple butter. This delightful ingredient works wonders, adding an incredible depth of flavor and an unparalleled moistness to the loaf without making it greasy or dense. Unlike applesauce, which can sometimes dilute the rich spice profile, apple butter complements the gingerbread spices beautifully, infusing a subtle fruitiness that elevates the overall taste. While you can certainly substitute applesauce if that’s what you have on hand, I highly recommend apple butter for a truly superior result that closely mimics the Starbucks experience.
A quick note on spices: if you have access to fresh nutmeg, use it! Grating fresh nutmeg just before adding it to the batter releases a more potent and aromatic flavor that pre-ground nutmeg simply can’t match. However, if fresh isn’t an option, good quality pre-ground nutmeg will still deliver a delicious spice kick to your gingerbread loaf. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, along with the nutmeg, creates that classic warm, inviting aroma that makes gingerbread so universally loved, especially during the colder months.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Irresistible Loaf
Crafting this delightful gingerbread loaf requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best results – this helps them cream smoothly and ensures an even texture throughout your bake. You’ll find the complete, detailed recipe with exact measurements at the end of this post, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create this festive masterpiece:
- Unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Large egg
- Apple butter (the key to moisture and flavor!)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible!)
- Chopped walnuts (for topping, optional but recommended)
- Cream cheese (at room temperature, for the frosting)
- Powdered sugar (for the frosting)
Crafting Your Starbucks-Inspired Gingerbread Loaf: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this gingerbread loaf is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked, moist, and flavorful treat:
- **Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lightly spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy), or grease and flour it thoroughly. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful loaf comes out easily.
- **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the loaf’s tender texture.
- **Add Wet Ingredients:** Next, beat in the vanilla extract until just combined. Then, crack in the large egg and continue beating until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, blend in the apple butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The apple butter not only adds flavor but also locks in moisture, ensuring a truly decadent loaf.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final loaf.
- **Incorporate Dry into Wet:** With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix only until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to a tough loaf. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- **Bake the Loaf:** Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-65 minutes. The loaf is done when it’s beautifully risen, golden brown, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- **Cool Completely:** Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is a critical step before frosting! If you try to frost a warm loaf, the frosting will melt and slide right off.
- **Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:** While the loaf cools, prepare your decadent cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and creamy. If you prefer a thicker frosting, add an additional ½ cup of powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- **Frost and Serve:** Once the gingerbread loaf is completely cooled, spread a generous, thick layer of the rich cream cheese frosting over the top. For an extra touch of texture and flavor, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy your amazing homemade Starbucks-style gingerbread loaf!
Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Loaf
- **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and frosting.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a dense and tough loaf.
- **Invest in Quality Spices:** Fresh, good-quality spices make a huge difference in gingerbread. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for years, it might be time to refresh them for maximum flavor.
- **Proper Cooling:** Allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Patience here is key to prevent your beautiful frosting from melting.
- **Adjust Frosting Thickness:** If your frosting seems too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This gingerbread loaf is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a holiday breakfast treat, an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea, or a delightful dessert after dinner. For best results, store any leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week (especially with cream cheese frosting). You can also freeze individual slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm for a quick treat.
Variations to Try
- **Add Citrus Zest:** A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the batter can add a bright, fragrant note that complements the gingerbread spices beautifully.
- **Chocolate Chips:** For chocolate lovers, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- **Candied Ginger:** Mix in some finely chopped candied ginger for an extra spicy kick and chewy texture.
- **Glaze Alternative:** If you prefer a lighter topping, skip the cream cheese frosting and drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or lemon juice) over the cooled loaf.
Why Gingerbread Reigns Supreme During the Holidays
Gingerbread holds a special place in our hearts, especially as the seasons turn cooler and the holidays approach. Its rich, warm spices — ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg — evoke feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and festive cheer. The aroma alone can transport you to cherished memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Beyond its delightful scent, gingerbread offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a tender crumb that makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s a flavor profile that truly embodies the spirit of the season, making this Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf not just a recipe, but a celebration in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about baking this delicious gingerbread loaf? Here are some common queries and their answers to help you achieve baking perfection:
-
**Can I make this gingerbread loaf ahead of time?**
Yes! This loaf actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store the unfrosted loaf at room temperature in an airtight container, and then frost it just before serving. The frosted loaf can be stored in the refrigerator. -
**What if I don’t have apple butter? Can I use applesauce?**
You can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for apple butter. However, keep in mind that apple butter adds a richer, more concentrated apple flavor and contributes significantly to the loaf’s moistness. If using applesauce, your loaf might be slightly less moist and flavorful, but still delicious. -
**My cream cheese frosting is too runny/too thick. How can I fix it?**
If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a very small amount of milk or cream (half a teaspoon at a time) until it becomes spreadable. Ensure your cream cheese was properly softened but not melted. -
**Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger?**
Yes, this recipe specifically calls for ground ginger (and other ground spices). If you wish to enhance the ginger flavor, you could add a small amount (½ to 1 teaspoon) of finely grated fresh ginger along with the ground spices, but it is not required. -
**How do I know when the gingerbread loaf is fully baked?**
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with no wet batter attached, your loaf is ready. If it comes out with wet crumbs, bake for a few more minutes and check again. The top should also be golden brown and the loaf should feel firm to the touch.
Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf (+Video)
This copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting tastes even better at home! Moist, delicious with a thick, creamy frosting!
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Based on 109 Reviews)
Print Recipe |
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes |
Cook Time: 55 minutes |
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 |
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the loaf:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
For the frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block), room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ – 2 cups powdered sugar
- chopped walnuts, for topping (optional)
Instructions
For the loaf:
- Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray (the kind with flour in it – like Baker’s Joy.)
- Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, cream together the butter and the sugar until fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and the egg. Blend in the apple butter.
- Slowly add the flour, baking soda, salt and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.) When everything is mixed, pour the batter into your loaf pan.
- Bake for about 55 minutes until it is risen and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely on a rack before frosting.
For the frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese with the vanilla and then add 1 1/2 cups of the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Add a little more sugar if it’s not as thick as you like.
- Spread a thick layer of the frosting over the gingerbread cake. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts (optional). Then slice and serve!
Video
Notes
- If you only have salted butter, just leave out the additional salt in the recipe.
- You can substitute applesauce for the apple butter in the recipe but I think you lose some of the moistness in the bread.
- Oil can be substituted for the butter.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 359kcal |
Carbohydrates: 48g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 17g |
Sodium: 314mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 28g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!
Craving More Recipes? Explore These Delights!
If you loved this gingerbread loaf, you’re in for a treat! The world of homemade baked goods and comfort food is vast and wonderful. Here are some more irresistible recipes that share similar cozy vibes or offer another delightful copycat experience. Perfect for expanding your baking repertoire or simply finding your next sweet escape.
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Gingerbread Cupcakes
- No Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake
- Starbucks Egg Bites
- Starbucks Lemon Loaf
- Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Loaf
- Pumpkin Bread Loaf
- Dark Chocolate Cake with Gingerbread Frosting
**Originally published:** March 2017
**Updated photos & republished:** December 2021