Description
A delightful loaf with warm spices and a touch of honey, perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup molasses
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the honey and molasses, and beat until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Buttermilk: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Gradually mix in the buttermilk.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the crystallized ginger if using.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle the loaf with a bit of coarse sugar before baking. This loaf keeps well and can be wrapped tightly for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes