Description
These mini gingerbread loaves with cream cheese frosting are moist, spiced, and perfect for the holidays. Ideal for gifting or festive gatherings, they’re easy to make and deliciously cozy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the molasses, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fill the loaf pans: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini loaf pans, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaves: Let them rest in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the loaves: Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled loaves. Optionally, garnish with cinnamon, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles.
Notes
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a touch of sweetness.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor with orange or lemon zest.
- Maple Frosting: Replace heavy cream with maple syrup in the frosting for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gingerbread loaves, mini gingerbread, holiday baking, cream cheese frosting, festive desserts