Can I freeze gingerbread loaf?

Absolutely, Here's my tried-and-true method: Freeze it unglazed - the cream cheese topping doesn't hold up well to freezing. Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. It'll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then whip up a fresh batch of glaze in the morning. Pro tip: Slice before freezing if you only want to thaw a few pieces at a time.

Why do you use hot water in the batter?

Great question, That hot water does two magical things: First, it helps dissolve the molasses completely so it blends smoothly into the batter (no weird sticky streaks). Second, the heat activates the baking soda, giving your loaf that perfect rise right from the start. Just make sure it's not boiling - aim for about 180°F (steaming but not bubbling). I use my electric kettle set to the "warm" setting - about the same temp as perfect tea water.

How can I make this gluten-free?

I've tested this with my gluten-free friends, and here's what works: Swap the all-purpose flour for 1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour blend (the kind with xanthan gum already added) plus 1/4 cup almond flour for extra moisture. My favorite blends are King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1. The texture will be slightly more delicate, so let it cool completely in the pan before removing. And don't skip the xanthan gum - it's what holds everything together without gluten.

Irresistible Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe -

Name: Irresistible Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 cup hot water; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Irresistible Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

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A moist gingerbread loaf topped with a creamy glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter mornings.

Author: RecipeZest
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup hot water
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Beat butter and brown sugar until light. Add egg and molasses.
Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients alternately with hot water.
Pour batter into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Replace molasses with honey for a milder flavor.
Double the glaze for extra sweetness.

Find it online: https://recipeszest.com/gingerbread-loaf-with-cream-cheese-glaze-recipe/