Classic Gingerbread Loaf

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with similar fat content.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

crystallized ginger

🥗Healthier: fresh ginger

💰Cheaper: ground ginger

Fresh ginger can add moisture and flavor at a lower cost.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is a lower-calorie alternative.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper.

In a bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar using a handheld electric whisk until fluffy.

Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until well combined.

Add unsulfured molasses and sour cream to the mixture and mix until combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ground cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, whisking until just combined.

Finish mixing with a spatula to avoid overmixing and developing gluten.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes to 1 hour, checking to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

If the top starts to darken too much, tent it lightly with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Once baked, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens