Evenings look a little bit different around our apartment this time of year. Twinkle lights shimmer on our Christmas tree while a Michael Bublé albums play in the background. When we take breaks from belting out the lyrics to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Ian and I like to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. Ian has been on a real bread kick lately, so I wanted to join in on the fun and make a holiday inspired loaf.

I dug up a recipe for a festive gingerbread loaf and decided to give it a go. It may be that I’ve not very adventures when I bake, but breaking out a new bottle of molasses made me feel like I was making something special. I was nervous to try a recipe outside of my comfort zone, but while the loaf baked in the oven, the warm aroma of gingerbread filled our kitchen and put me at ease. By the smell of it, this loaf was going to be a new favorite!

Drizzled with frosting, this loaf couldn’t look anymore festive. Paired with a cup of tea, this gingerbread loaf makes for a cheeky breakfast option or afternoon snack. It can also be tied up with a ribbon and gifted to a friend during the holiday season.

Holiday Gingerbread Loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 C. flour
• 1/3 C. packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 C. molasses
• 3/4 C. hot water
• 1/2 C. butter, softened
• 1/3 C. applesauce
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 C. powdered sugar
• 2-3 Tbs. milk
• Preheat oven to 350˚ and grease a loaf pan.

Directions:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the remainder of the ingredients.
• Slowly stir in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until fully combined.
• Pout batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
• While the loaf cools, mix together the icing ingredients.
• Once the loaf is at room temp, drizzle icing over the top of the loaf.