Classic Gingerbread Loaf with Spiced Whiff
Indulge in the warmth and nostalgia of this Classic Gingerbread Loaf, a delightful recipe steeped in tradition. Packed with rich flavors of ginger and mixed spices, this loaf is perfect for cozy afternoons or special occasions. Serve it warm with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey, and share the heartwarming experience with friends and family. Every slice is soft, moist, and infused with the essence of the holidays, making it a delightful treat any time of the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
50 g (Melted)
Golden syrup
1 tablespoon (Combined with melted butter)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
Plain flour
1 cup (Sifted)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (Sifted)
Ginger powder
2 teaspoons (Sifted)
Mixed spice
1 teaspoon (Sifted)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (Combined with milk)
Milk
3/4 cup (Mixed with baking soda)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a loaf tin with baking paper.
2
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter and golden syrup until combined, stirring occasionally.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the egg and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Pour the melted butter and golden syrup mixture into the bowl, and mix until well incorporated.
5
Sift the plain flour, baking powder, ginger powder, mixed spice, and baking soda together in another bowl.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7
In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with the milk, then slowly stir this into the batter. The mixture will be quite runny but should be well combined.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Gingerbread Loaf with Spiced Whiff?
It is a traditional, moist loaf cake infused with rich ginger and mixed spice flavors, perfect for holidays and cozy afternoons.
What oven temperature is needed for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F) for baking this loaf.
How long does it take to bake the gingerbread loaf?
The loaf typically takes about 35 minutes to bake, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the best way to serve this gingerbread loaf?
It is best served warm with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Should the batter be thick or runny?
The batter for this gingerbread loaf will be quite runny, but this is normal and results in a moist texture.
Can I substitute golden syrup?
While golden syrup provides a specific flavor, you could try using honey or molasses as alternatives.
How do I prepare the baking tin?
You should line a standard loaf tin with baking paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
What spices are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses two teaspoons of ginger powder and one teaspoon of mixed spice.
Is an electric mixer necessary?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to cream the egg and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the role of baking soda in this loaf?
Baking soda is mixed with milk and added to the batter to help the loaf rise and achieve a soft crumb.
Does this recipe use brown or white sugar?
This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar for a deeper flavor and extra moisture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including butter, golden syrup, egg, sugar, flour, and various spices.
How long should the loaf cool before serving?
Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Is sifting the ingredients important?
Yes, sifting the flour, baking powder, and spices ensures there are no lumps in the final batter.
Can I freeze the gingerbread loaf?
Yes, once completely cooled, you can wrap the loaf tightly and freeze it for later consumption.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe requires one cup of sifted plain flour.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you can add walnuts or pecans for extra texture if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Absolutely, its warm spices and festive flavor make it a classic holiday treat.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 50g of butter, which should be melted with the golden syrup.
How do I know when the loaf is perfectly baked?
The loaf is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is set.
What is 'mixed spice'?
Mixed spice is a blend of sweet spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves often used in British baking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves, but ensure your oven can accommodate both tins.
How should I store leftover gingerbread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture.
Is this gingerbread loaf very spicy?
It has a warm, noticeable ginger flavor, but it is balanced by the sweetness of the syrup and sugar.
What size egg is needed?
A standard large egg is typically used for this recipe.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of powder?
Powdered ginger is preferred for this specific texture, but a small amount of grated fresh ginger can add extra zing.
Why is the sugar 'packed' in the measurement?
Packing brown sugar into the measuring cup ensures you get the correct volume for the recipe.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can attempt to substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives, though results may vary.
What if I don't have golden syrup?
You can use dark corn syrup or maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different from the original.
How much milk is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of milk to be mixed with the baking soda.