Monday, December 10, 2012

Gingerbread Loaf with Ginger Glaze

Gingerbread Loaf with Ginger Glaze

I've been in a gingerbread kind of mood lately, buying fresh ginger, buying grated ginger, perusing gingerbread recipes and pinning up a gingerbread storm. But, when all is said and done, what did I really want to make? I was tempted to make the lebkuchen of my youth but that may have to wait for a bit since I also had to balance the treat with all the heavy Chanukah foods we've been consuming. A sweet ginger tea bread seemed the most appealing since we could have it in the morning with coffee or as a light afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

Gingerbread Loaf with Ginger Glaze
Frequently these loaves are dark, filled with molasses, brown sugar and heavy spices. But this version is lighter with a moist, tender crumb. It still contains the spice flavors but doesn't pack as much of a punch. And the ginger and cinnamon glaze? This was the first time I'd made a glaze this way and it was amazingly good. Adding the confectioner's sugar to the warm butter gets rid of any graininess and leaves you with a thick, rich, drippy glaze. Seriously, I want to make a bigger batch and drizzle it on toast! Enjoy!





Ingredients
Bread:
2 Cups all purpose flour
1 Cup sugar
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 Eggs
1 Cup buttermilk
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon baking powder
2 Teaspoons ground ginger
2 Teaspoons cinnamon
1 Teaspoon nutmeg

Glaze:
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 Tablespoon milk
1/2 Cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon ground ginger

Gingerbread Loaf with Ginger Glaze
In a large bowl, combine the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer until completely smooth and the butter is fully incorporated. Beat in the buttermilk.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet until all the flour is incorporated.

Gingerbread Loaf with Ginger Glaze
Butter and flour a loaf pan and pour in the batter. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes before flipping over onto a rack. While the bread is cooling, make the glaze by adding the tablespoon of milk to the two tablespoons of melted butter. Whisk in the confectioner's sugar until it's fully incorporated. When the bread has been removed from the loaf pan, drizzle on the glaze.

20 comments:

  1. Ooooh that glaze sounds awesome! And I love how you made the flavors more subtle-this looks deeelish!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm definitely gonna try this! I was just looking at a gingerbread cake with ginger frosting. Perfect for Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks so light! I think I would enjoy this and it is perfect for carolers or unexpected guests.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my gosh! I want to drink this glaze!!!! I have never made a glaze that way either, but I think I have to now!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ginger Cinnamon Glaze??? Oh MY!!! I think this is pure brilliance!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Brilliant! I have buttermilk I need to use before it goes bad. And I love spice cakes that aren't so heavy on the spices.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my, Anita. This bread looks scrumptious. I noticed the lighter color of the crumb right away and the somewhat muted pop of spice is intriguing. But that glaze, in all its drippy glory, sings all the praise coming your way. Brava!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful-looking loaf! And I'm definitely going to try that tip about the melted butter with the powdered sugar; I hate feeling that graininess in my glazes.

    Great post!

    -Jess @ On Sugar Mountain

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love lebkuchen too, but this cake looks like an amazing recipe. I love how moist and rich it looks without being light. That glaze doesn't hurt either!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love that the spice hit is lighter...and that it has such a magnificent glaze! Plus it could be eaten ANY time of day...love that!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Haven't made any gingerbread yet, this season ... gotta get with the program :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. This looks amazing! I love the fact that it's lighter but packs a ginger punch :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I just wrote my mom an email requesting this when I come home for the holidays. I should just send her this link. Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love that you made this bread lighter. I'm not a huge fan of gingerbread b/c of its rich, dark qualities, but I can see myself scarfing down on this loaf.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Never baked it at home. looking at it - i think i can try too.What a beautiful-looking loaf it is!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm always amazed when people say they don't like gingerbread. I love it. To me the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven is comforting and so holiday-like. If this loaf were in my house it wouldn't last long!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow!!! That is just mouthwatering! We have very similar tastes! Love that!!!! Thanks for stopping by! =)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I also didn't want to make a loaf with molasses. I made mine with maple syrup. I'll have to try yours to see which is best. I also love the icing- mine was bare :(

    Megbakes11.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

We'd love to hear from you!