Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Copycat | The Recipe Critic

Starbucks copycat gingerbread loaf is the ultimate holiday treat! It’s coated in a simple cream cheese frosting and is full of warm spices and rich molasses flavor. Enjoy it for Christmas brunch or a sweet treat at night!

Ingredients ForStarbucks Gingerbread Loaf

I love whipping up this copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf recipe during the holiday season! It’s perfect for potlucks, brunches and homemade gift-giving. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand! You can find exact measurements in the recipe card below.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bread structure and tenderness.
• Baking Powder: Makes the bread rise and get fluffy.
• Spices: A mix of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves adds a cozy, warm flavor.
• Salt: Brings all the flavors together.
• Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Oil: Adds moisture and richness.
• Eggs: Help hold the ingredients together.
• Applesauce: Keeps the quick bread moist and tender without having to use extra oil or butter.
• Molasses: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract or make your own blend.

For the Frosting

This simple cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for a spiced gingerbread loaf cake. It’s really good without the frosting, too!

• Powdered Sugar: Makes the glaze nice and sweet, and also gives it a smooth texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Mix in a tsp for sweet warmth.
• Milk: Gives the frosting the perfect texture.

How to Make a Gingerbread Loaf

This irresistible bread is so easy to make and smells wonderful while baking. Just follow these simple steps for major deliciousness.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, molasses, and vanilla.
3. Stir Batter Together: Using a spatula or spoon, add the flour mixture to the sugar and oil mixture. Mix until everything comes together into a batter.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the Frosting: For the frosting, using a hand mixer whisk the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add the vanilla, milk, and ¼ cup of powdered sugar, and mix until incorporated.
6. Frost the Loaf: Continue adding more powdered sugar until a soft frosting texture is reached. Frost the loaf when it is completely cooled.

More Gingerbread Recipes

If you love gingerbread flavor as much as I do, then you’ll definitely want to try some of these tasty recipes! They’re all so delicious and make your kitchen smell incredible. You can also find my full list of Christmas recipes here!