Orange Gingerbread Loaf with Molasses Brown Sugar Frosting

The molasses brown sugar frosting is literally the sugar on top that adds even extra flavor to the bread.

The molasses brown sugar frosting is literally the sugar on top that adds even extra flavor to the bread.
Kimberly Baker, ©2019, Clemson Extension

My most favorite flavor of the Christmas season is gingerbread. I’ve tried several types of gingerbread flavored baked goods over the years (cookies, cakes, cupcakes, trifles, muffins, scones). You name it, I’ve probably tried my hand at it. My newest gingerbread recipe that I have created is this gingerbread loaf that is packed full of Christmas flavor! The key to the recipe is the chopped candied ginger and orange zest. Both of these combined add a perfect combination of flavors. The molasses brown sugar frosting is literally the sugar on top that adds even extra flavor to the bread. Enjoy this Christmas bread with a cup of coffee (tea or hot chocolate) as a flavorful start to your day, or as a dessert after dinner as a nice sweet finale to the day. This recipe would also make a great gift if you are wanting to share some baked goods this year. If you want to double the recipe check out HGIC 4260, Measurement Conversions for Recipes to help you easily double the recipe. Enjoy!

Orange Gingerbread Loaf with Molasses Brown Sugar Frosting

The key to the recipe is the chopped candied ginger and orange zest.
Kimberly Baker, ©2019, Clemson Extension

For the loaf:

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 cup apple butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped candied ginger

 

For the frosting:

Enjoy this Christmas bread with a cup of coffee (tea or hot chocolate) as a flavorful start to your day, or as a dessert after dinner as a nice sweet finale to the day.

Enjoy this Christmas bread with a cup of coffee (tea or hot chocolate) as a flavorful start to your day, or as a dessert after dinner as a nice sweet finale to the day.
Kimberly Baker, ©2019, Clemson Extension

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons molasses
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup chopped candied ginger

For the loaf:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F degrees. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray and then lightly dust with flour.
  2. Cream together the butter and the sugar until fluffy.
  3. Beat in the vanilla, egg and orange zest.
  4. Blend in apple butter.
  5. Slowly add the flour, baking soda and spices.
  6. Gently mix in candied ginger.
  7. Pour the batter into greased and floured loaf pan.
  8. Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let cool completely on a rack before removing from pan and adding frosting.

For the frosting:

  1. Beat the cream cheese with the molasses, brown sugar, vanilla extract and orange zest.
  2. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and whip until smooth and creamy. Add additional powdered sugar if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  3. Spread frosting evenly over the loaf.
  4. Sprinkle frosting evenly with chopped ginger.

If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988.

Factsheet Number

Newsletter

Categories

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This