Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

This homemade Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf captures everything you adore about the one from the coffee shop!

Each slice is incredibly moist with the signature spiced gingerbread flavor.

It’s topped with a silky cream cheese frosting for the finishing touch. It melts ever so slightly into the spiced cake and adds extra deliciousness. 

This loaf pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

Full of Flavor: Each bite balances warm spices and sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s simultaneously bold and comforting.

Make-Ahead Marvel: The loaf improves in flavor when made a day ahead. It’s a stress-free choice for entertaining or holiday breakfast planning.

Perfect for Gatherings and Gifting: This festive loaf is a stunning centerpiece for holiday parties, potlucks, or coffee dates. Plus, it makes an excellent gift. 

Beginner-Friendly Baking: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Even novice bakers can confidently create this impressive dessert.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: This creates a rich, moist texture and provides essential fat for tenderness. Use room-temperature butter for a better consistency. 
  
• Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the loaf and helps create a tender crumb.
  
• Vanilla Extract: It adds warmth and depth to the loaf and frosting.
  
• Egg: It acts as a binding agent and helps create a proper texture. Use a room-temperature egg for better consistency. 
  
• Applesauce: It adds moisture and natural sweetness.
  
• All-Purpose Flour: It forms the main structure of the loaf.
  
• Baking Soda: It reacts with the acidic ingredients to help the loaf rise and become light.
  
• Salt: It enhances all flavors and balances sweetness.
  
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg: This signature blend creates the classic gingerbread flavor profile. Ginger provides heat, cinnamon adds warmth, cloves bring depth, and nutmeg adds complexity.
  
• Cream Cheese and Powdered Sugar: It creates a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the spicy loaf.

How to Make Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

All this recipe takes is a little mixing, baking, and frosting!

1. Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Beat. Add the butter and granulated sugar together to a large mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Mix. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated. Stir in the applesauce until the mixture is smooth.

4. Whisk. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to a separate bowl. Whisk to combine. 

5. Combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.

6. Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center is removed cleanly.

7. Cool. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

8. Make the frosting. Add the cream cheese and vanilla extract to a medium bowl. Beat until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is creamy and free of lumps.

9. Frost and serve. Once the loaf is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

For a Starbucks-worthy loaf, follow these easy tips.

• Be precise. Level off each spice measurement precisely. The right balance of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg is crucial for authentic Starbucks flavor.
  
• Choose the right applesauce. Use unsweetened, smooth applesauce for the best moisture and texture. Chunky varieties can affect the loaf consistency.
  
• Prep your pan. Grease the pan thoroughly and use parchment with overhang on long sides for perfect release and easy lifting.
  
• Be gentle. Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing activates the gluten and toughens the bread.
  
• Pick the best position. Place the rack in the center of the oven and avoid opening the door frequently during baking. This helps the oven maintain a steady temperature.
  
• Try creative variations. Add chopped crystallized ginger, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips. Or try swapping applesauce for pumpkin puree to make pumpkin gingerbread. 

How to Store

Keep your leftover loaf fresh with these tips.

To Store: Keep the gingerbread loaf in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. Ensure the frosting is intact and cover the bread tightly to maintain freshness and moisture.

To Freeze: Freeze the loaf without frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before adding frosting and serving.

To Reheat: Microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds or heat it in a 300°Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. Reheating enhances its flavors and makes it soft again.