Description
This Healthy Gingerbread Loaf Cake is a lighter version of the classic holiday treat, offering all the rich, spiced flavor of gingerbread with healthier ingredients. With a moist, fluffy texture and a perfect blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, this loaf cake is a great option for those looking to enjoy a festive dessert without the guilt.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
2 large eggs
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hot water (or milk of your choice)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole-wheat flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, Greek yogurt, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Add the water: Slowly add the hot water (or milk) to the batter, mixing until the batter is smooth and slightly runny.
- Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top of the cake should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
- Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Add-ins: You can stir in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
- Glaze or frosting: For an extra touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or top with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Vegan option: To make this loaf vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Storage: Store the loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the loaf cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
