| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 70 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 358 | 12g | 7g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 2g | 5g | 0.55g |
If there’s one recipe I keep coming back to, it’s the Spiced Gingerbread Loaf. As someone born and raised in the Midwest, I have a soft spot for comfort food. This loaf, with its robust, warming flavors, takes me back to my Nebraska roots each time I dig into a slice. Cooking to me is more than just food preparation. It’s an age-old testament of love, a tangible expression of my Midwestern ethos – fresh, simple, hearty, and wholesome.
A Homage to the Heartland
What sets this Spiced Gingerbread Loaf apart is its unique blend of homely warmth and unparalleled freshness. As an advocate of farm-to-table vigor, I appreciate how the zesty flavor of fresh apples and juicy pears infuses a heartland touch to the richly spiced Gingerbread Loaf. The aroma wafting from the oven instantly transports me back to my childhood farmhouse kitchen, where an array of spices perfumed the air and happiness was a freshly baked treat.
The Perfect Pairing
Whenever I have my Spiced Gingerbread Loaf, I like to pair it with homemade apple cider or chicken vegetable pot pie soup to complete that heartwarming ensemble. An excellent counterpoint to savory stews, this can easily stand toe-to-toe with some of my all-time favorite Nebraska corn casseroles.
Beneficial for Your Health
It’s not all about taste, though. The inclusion of apples and pears aids in boosting your immune system, thanks to their rich vitamins and fiber content. The spices – ginger and cinnamon, besides providing delightful warmth, also have noteworthy anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Each slice of Spiced Gingerbread Loaf is a tribute to where I come from and a nod to where I am today. It’s a recipe that’s close to my heart, one that has a place in both special occasions and casual family gatherings. With every bite, I am reminded of the essence of heartfelt cooking – bringing people together through delicious, honest food.
What You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup peeled, cored, and diced fresh apples
- 1 cup peeled, pitted, and diced fresh pears
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
Step Two
In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step Three
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter until it is creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the unsulfured molasses.
Step Four
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Step Five
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until blended.
Step Six
Fold the diced fresh apples and pears into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Step Seven
Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Spiced Gingerbread Loaf!
