Spiced Amish Friendship Gingerbread Loaf
This delightful Spiced Amish Friendship Gingerbread Loaf balances rich, warm spices with the comforting depths of molasses, creating a festive treat that's perfect for the holiday season. Using a unique Amish Friendship Bread starter, this gingerbread boasts a wonderfully moist texture and a slightly less sweet profile, making it perfect for those who appreciate the zing of spice over sheer sweetness. The optional candied orange peel adds a lovely citrus note that complements the spiciness beautifully. Drizzle with a silky cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish! Enjoy it with your favorite warm beverage for a cozy holiday indulgence.
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Amish starter
1/2 cup (none)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Applesauce
1/4 cup (use natural unsweetened)
Milk or Cream
1/4 cup (none)
Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Molasses
3 tablespoons (none)
Flour
1 cup (none)
Baking Powder
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Clove
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix
1 (4-ounce) box (none)
Candied Orange Peel (Optional)
1/4-1/2 cup (chopped)
Fairly Thin Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 cup (drizzle or spread on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: Amish starter, egg, oil, applesauce, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and molasses. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and instant butterscotch pudding mix until evenly combined.
4
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, gently folding until just incorporated. If you are using candied orange peel, fold it into the batter at this stage.
5
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at the 50-minute mark.
7
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
When the loaf is barely warm to the touch, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top. For a drippy glaze, make the frosting fairly thin, or if you prefer a thicker layer, simply add more frosting.
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
28g
Carbs
2.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Amish Friendship Gingerbread Loaf?
It is a moist, festive quick bread that uses Amish Friendship Bread starter, rich molasses, and a blend of warm spices for a seasonal holiday treat.
What makes this gingerbread unique compared to traditional recipes?
This version uses an Amish Friendship Bread starter and instant butterscotch pudding mix, which results in a moist texture and a unique flavor profile that is less sweet and more spice-forward.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
What size pan is required for this recipe?
A lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan is needed.
What wet ingredients are used in the batter?
The wet ingredients include 1/2 cup Amish starter, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup milk or cream, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of molasses.
Which dry ingredients are included in the mixture?
The dry mixture consists of 1 cup flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, various spices, and a 4-ounce box of instant butterscotch pudding mix.
What spices give the loaf its gingerbread flavor?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon clove, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
Is the candied orange peel mandatory?
No, the 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped candied orange peel is an optional addition to provide a citrus note.
How should the ingredients be mixed?
Wet and dry ingredients should be mixed in separate bowls first, then the dry mixture is gradually folded into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
When should the optional candied orange peel be added?
Fold the candied orange peel into the batter after the dry and wet ingredients have been incorporated.
How long does the loaf need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes.
How do I check if the gingerbread loaf is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
When is the best time to start checking the loaf for doneness?
You should begin checking the loaf at the 50-minute mark.
How long should the loaf cool in the pan?
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
What is the next step after the initial 10-minute cooling period?
Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
When should the frosting be applied?
Drizzle the frosting over the top when the loaf is barely warm to the touch.
What type of frosting is recommended for this recipe?
A fairly thin cream cheese frosting is recommended for drizzling or spreading.
How can I adjust the consistency of the frosting?
For a drippy glaze, make the frosting thin; for a thicker layer, use more frosting or reduce the liquid in the frosting recipe.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this gingerbread?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of the loaf?
There are 5.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 28 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this gingerbread provide?
There are 2.25 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of applesauce is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using natural unsweetened applesauce.
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of milk or cream.
What is the role of the instant butterscotch pudding mix?
It acts as a dry ingredient that enhances the flavor and contributes to a moist, soft texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 18 total ingredients, including the optional orange peel and the frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifting?
Yes, it is described as a festive treat perfect for the holiday season.
How should the egg be prepared?
The egg should be beaten before it is mixed with the other wet ingredients.
What beverage pairs well with this gingerbread?
It is recommended to enjoy the loaf with your favorite warm beverage for a cozy indulgence.
What is the texture of this bread?
The bread is wonderfully moist thanks to the Amish starter and applesauce.