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–+ servings
Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Softly spiced and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting, this Starbucks gingerbread loaf stars cozy favorites like butter, applesauce, and warm spices. It smells like December in your oven. Applesauce keeps it tender, while ginger and cloves add warmth, and a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for holiday brunch or coffee breaks.
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10 slices

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Loaf

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 cup (245 g) applesauce unsweetened is best
  • 1.5 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese softened, full-fat
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups (180 g) powdered sugar sifted

Equipment

  • 9x5" Loaf Pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  3. Add the vanilla extract and egg to the bowl. Beat until smooth and blended.
  4. Mix in the applesauce. The mixture will look slightly separated but that's okay.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. For the cream cheese frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
  11. Once the loaf is fully cool, spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

This loaf keeps well: store frosted slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Try swapping applesauce for pumpkin puree or adjusting the spices for a twist. Add-ins like nuts or raisins are welcome. For a maple cream cheese frosting, use 1 tablespoon of maple syrup instead of vanilla.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1.2mg
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