Decadent Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf
Indulge in this luxurious Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf, a delightful fusion of rich cocoa and aromatic gingerbread spices. This loaf combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and ginger with the lightness of buttermilk, resulting in an incredibly moist and tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoyed on its own, this loaf is sure to impress. The thin batter is intentionally designed to create a smooth texture, ensuring each slice is irresistibly decadent. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat for yourself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
dark corn syrup
1/2 cup
large eggs
2
buttermilk
3/4 cup
all-purpose flour
2 cups
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup
baking powder
1 teaspoon
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the packed light brown sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3
Gradually mix in the dark corn syrup, making sure to blend well. Then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the buttermilk.
4
In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and combine the dry ingredients evenly.
5
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it lightly with aluminum foil toward the end of the baking time.
8
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Decadent Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf?
It features a luxurious fusion of rich cocoa and aromatic gingerbread spices like cinnamon and ginger.
How long should I bake the loaf?
Bake the loaf for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size loaf pan is recommended?
A standard 9 x 5-inch loaf pan is required for this recipe.
What should I do if the loaf is browning too quickly in the oven?
You can cover the top of the loaf lightly with aluminum foil toward the end of the baking time.
How long should the loaf cool before moving it?
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar.
Why is buttermilk used in the batter?
Buttermilk is used to ensure the cake remains incredibly moist and tender.
How many eggs are needed for this gingerbread loaf?
You will need 2 large eggs for this recipe.
What is the purpose of dark corn syrup?
Dark corn syrup adds moisture and a deep, sweet flavor that complements the ginger and cocoa.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Which spices provide the gingerbread flavor?
Ground ginger and cinnamon are the primary spices used for the gingerbread flavor.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the dry ingredients are combined evenly.
Is the batter supposed to be thin?
Yes, the batter is intentionally thin to create a smooth and decadent texture in the finished loaf.
How do I cream the butter and sugar correctly?
Beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Why is salt included in this sweet recipe?
1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate and spice flavors.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease the 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much baking powder is used?
You will need 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help the loaf rise.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, its warm spices and rich chocolate make it a perfect treat for holiday occasions.
What are some suggested serving options?
It can be served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoyed on its own.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened at room temperature so it can be creamed with the sugar.
How should I add the eggs to the mixture?
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
What is the classification of this recipe?
This recipe is a dessert loaf or cake.
Can I overmix the batter?
No, you should stir gently until just combined to ensure the loaf stays tender.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease the loaf pan.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The finished cake has an incredibly moist, tender, and decadent texture.
Can I substitute the dark corn syrup?
While the recipe calls for dark corn syrup, some bakers use molasses or honey as alternatives, though the flavor may change.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves, but ensure you bake them in separate pans.