Gingerbread Loaf Lemon Glaze (Printable)
Warm spiced loaf topped with tangy lemon cream cheese glaze, perfect for cozy celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Gingerbread Loaf
01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
12 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
15 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
19 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
20 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Mix in molasses, then beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently. Pour in milk and blend, then add remaining dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake for 48 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, lemon juice, zest, and salt until smooth. Adjust lemon juice to preferred consistency.
09 - Once the loaf is fully cooled, drizzle the lemon cream cheese glaze over the top and let set before slicing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The lemon glaze cuts through the molasses with a brightness that feels unexpectedly elegant.
- This loaf tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or bringing to gatherings.
- It's forgiving enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve proudly.
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients are not a suggestion—cold eggs and milk create lumpy, dense batters that never come together smoothly.
- The glaze breaks and separates if you rush it or if your cream cheese isn't soft enough; patience and proper temperature are everything.
03 -
- Buy whole spices and grind them yourself if you have a grinder; the aroma alone will convince you it matters.
- A small drizzle of glaze goes further than you think—less is more elegant, and the bottom of each slice can stay bare.