Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with this Vanilla Maple Glazed Gingerbread Loaf, a moist and flavorful treat that encapsulates the essence of the season. This recipe takes the traditional gingerbread to new heights with a luscious vanilla maple glaze, creating a perfect balance of spices and sweetness. Crafted with wholesome ingredients like coconut sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree, and using gluten-free and almond flours for a tender crumb, this gingerbread loaf is not only delicious but also a healthier option for indulging your festive cravings.
Why You’ll Love This: The unique addition of vanilla yogurt and pumpkin puree not only adds depth and moisture to the loaf but also infuses it with a subtle complexity that complements the spice blend beautifully. The vanilla maple glaze adds a final touch of sweetness, making each slice irresistibly delectable. Whether you’re a gingerbread aficionado or simply looking for a festive dessert, this loaf is sure to impress with its rich flavors and moist texture.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for holiday gatherings, as a special breakfast on a chilly morning, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this gingerbread loaf brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Serve it at your next holiday party, enjoy it with a cup of tea by the fireplace, or wrap it up as a sweet surprise for friends and family. It’s a versatile treat that’s bound to become a holiday staple.
Decoration Tips:
- Garnish the glazed loaf with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive look and added spice.
- Top with crushed pecans or walnuts before the glaze sets for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Arrange thin slices of crystallized ginger over the glaze for a decorative touch that enhances the gingerbread theme.
Ingredients:
Loaf:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses (date molasses, date syrup, or maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- A pinch each of baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg
Vanilla Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- A splash of vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf tin.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, coconut sugar, and molasses until fluffy. Add in the vanilla yogurt and pumpkin puree, whisking until well combined.
- Stir in the gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, folding until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before icing.
For the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it set before slicing.
Dive into this Vanilla Maple Glazed Gingerbread Loaf and let its rich, spiced flavors fill your home with the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Enjoy every slice as a tribute to the timeless traditions and tastes that make this time of year so special.
