How to Make the Perfect Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with a Sweet Glaze

There’s something so comforting about the smell of spiced gingerbread loaf in your kitchen. It’s a smell that wraps you in a big hug and reminds you of cold winter nights, festive parties and nostalgia. For a desi twist, try replacing molasses with jaggery which not only adds depth of flavor but also makes this loaf feel more at home. The spices, cinnamon, ginger and clove, create a lovely warmth and pair beautifully with a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and maybe a hint of orange zest for a bit of freshness.

Perfect for teatime indulgence or as a centerpiece for a party, a gingerbread loaf is a perfect spicy touch for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting or just want something special for yourself, this spiced loaf promises a party in every bite, combining classic baking with Indian ingredients.

How To Bake A Spiced Gingerbread Loaf

A spiced gingerbread loaf is like the festive season in a loaf. Bold spices and a hint of sweetness. This recipe combines holiday classics with Indian pantry staples like jaggery to make it super comforting.

Ingredients

For the loaf:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) maida (all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp clove powder
• ½ cup (100g) jaggery, grated
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 2 eggs (or flaxseed substitute for eggless)
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

For the glaze:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp orange zest (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together maida, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove powder. Set this aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together jaggery and oil until well combined. Add buttermilk, eggs (or flaxseed substitute), honey and vanilla essence. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, fold gently with a spatula. Make sure no lumps remain but don’t overmix. The batter should be slightly thick and smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk and orange zest (if using) until smooth. Add more milk if needed.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf. Slice and serve with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips To Perfect Your Spiced Gingerbread Loaf With A Sweet Glaze

Use Fresh Spices for Real Flavor

Ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are the backbone of a gingerbread loaf. Using fresh high quality spices will give your loaf that warm and bold flavor that fills the house with festive feeling. Pre ground spices from old jars tend to lose their oomph over time. To really take your loaf to the next level consider grinding whole spices fresh, this releases the essential oils that give the aroma and taste.

Use Grated Jaggery For Depth And Richness

For an Indian twist replace white sugar with grated jaggery. Jaggery not only gives a deep caramel like sweetness but also adds to the moisture of the loaf. It pairs beautifully with the spices and gives the loaf an earthy flavor. If jaggery is not available brown sugar is a good substitute but nothing beats the rustic charm jaggery brings to this dessert.

Mix Lightly To Avoid Overworking The Batter

When combining wet and dry ingredients mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing the batter activates the gluten in the flour and you get a dense chewy loaf. A few lumps in the batter are okay they’ll smooth out as the loaf bakes. Mix gently and treat the batter as you would a precious family heirloom!

Add Buttermilk For Moistness

Buttermilk is the magic ingredient that keeps your gingerbread loaf moist. The acidity reacts with the baking soda to give the loaf a light texture. Don’t have buttermilk? Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes!

Cool Before Glazing

The glaze is the icing on the cake of a spiced gingerbread loaf, but timing is everything. Pouring the glaze on a warm loaf will melt and run off leaving you with a sticky mess. Let your loaf cool completely—this patience will ensure the glaze sets beautifully and gives your loaf a polished bakery finish.