Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread

Every time I think of the Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread, memories of the holidays come rushing back. Growing up, our home was filled with the rich, intoxicating aroma of spices mixing with the warmth of the oven, creating a cozy haven during winter. This gingerbread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a way to bring friends and family together, especially during chilly nights when all you want is something comforting. The moment you take that first bite, you’re greeted with a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making it a perfect treat alongside a steaming cup of coffee. I remember the first time I baked this, the excitement bubbling inside me as I decorated each loaf with a dusting of powdered sugar, transforming them into edible gifts. Whether it’s for Christmas or just a cozy winter evening, the Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread is sure to warm hearts and homes alike.

Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread Shopping List

When it comes to the ingredients for the Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread, each one plays a vital role in developing its rich flavor profile. The combination of warm spices like ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves works in harmony to create that signature taste we all crave during the winter months. Key players include unsalted butter for richness and molasses for depth, making this gingerbread an irresistible treat.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your gingerbread, providing the structure needed for a moist and tender loaf.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for leavening, ensuring your gingerbread rises beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a bit of extra lift and helps balance the acidity from the molasses.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more delicious.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This warm spice is essential for that classic holiday flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The star spice, giving the gingerbread its characteristic kick.
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a depth of flavor that rounds out the spices.
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard: A surprising but effective ingredient that adds a little zing.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a subtle warmth that complements the spices.
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, tender texture in the bread.
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to the overall flavor.
• 3 large eggs: Binds everything together and provides structure.
• 1 1/2 cups molasses: The soul of the gingerbread, giving it a deep, rich flavor and moisture.
• 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled: Enhances the chocolate notes in the molasses and gives depth.

Directions for Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread

Making the Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious treat. Follow along closely for the best results.

1. First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s crucial to have your oven ready to ensure even baking.
2. Next, prepare your loaf pans by greasing and flouring two 9X5-inch pans. This will help the gingerbread release easily after baking, giving you a perfect loaf.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together 12 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of firmly packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s essential to get enough air into the mixture, as it helps the gingerbread rise.
5. Now, add 3 large eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter, contributing to a uniform texture.
6. With the mixer running on medium-low speed, gradually add 1 1/2 cups of molasses. Mixing slowly will prevent a splash, and it helps to blend the molasses into the batter evenly.
7. Add the cooled 1 cup of brewed strong coffee to the mixture and continue beating on low speed until everything is well blended. The coffee enhances the flavors, giving your gingerbread a depth you won’t want to miss.
8. Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser bread.
9. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for even baking.
10. Place the pans in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the gingerbread is ready.
11. Once done, let the gingerbread cool in the pans for about 10 to 15 minutes before carefully removing them. This cooling period helps prevent the bread from breaking apart when you take it out of the pans.

Ways to Customize

There are many delightful ways to customize your Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread. Here are some tips to make it your own:

• Frosting: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting for a sweeter twist.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Mix-ins: Toss in some chopped nuts or dried fruits to enhance texture and flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple sugar glaze over the cooled gingerbread for extra sweetness.
• Serving with cream: Serve slices warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Serving This Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread

When it comes to serving the Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread, there are endless possibilities that can make your experience even more delightful. Here are some suggestions:

• Garnish: Dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive look, especially during the holidays.
• Pair with beverages: This gingerbread pairs well with hot beverages—coffee, tea, or hot chocolate make excellent companions.
• Occasions: Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or as a thoughtful holiday gift.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the gingerbread for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread is not just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt tradition that brings joy and warmth to any occasion. Its rich flavors and cozy spices make it a must-try for the winter months. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and whip up a batch. You won’t just be baking; you’ll be creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread

The ultimate comfort food for winter! This Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread is rich in flavor, moist, and perfectly spiced. A delightful treat that warms your heart and home—perfect for the holidays or any cozy evening.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 215

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups molasses
• 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crucial to have your oven ready to ensure even baking.
2. Next, prepare your loaf pans by greasing and flouring two 9X5-inch pans. This will help the gingerbread release easily after baking, giving you a perfect loaf.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together 12 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of firmly packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s essential to get enough air into the mixture, as it helps the gingerbread rise.
5. Now, add 3 large eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter, contributing to a uniform texture.
6. With the mixer running on medium-low speed, gradually add 1 1/2 cups of molasses. Mixing slowly will prevent a splash, and it helps to blend the molasses into the batter evenly.
7. Add the cooled 1 cup of brewed strong coffee to the mixture and continue beating on low speed until everything is well blended. The coffee enhances the flavors, giving your gingerbread a depth you won't want to miss.
8. Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser bread.
9. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for even baking.
10. Place the pans in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the gingerbread is ready.
11. Once done, let the gingerbread cool in the pans for about 10 to 15 minutes before carefully removing them. This cooling period helps prevent the bread from breaking apart when you take it out of the pans.

Notes

• Tip 1: Properly greasing and flouring your pans is essential for easy removal of the loaf.
• Tip 2: Overmixing can lead to tough gingerbread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Tip 3: Store leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
• Tip 4: Allow the gingerbread to cool adequately before slicing for the best texture.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.