Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

This copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf with cream cheese frosting is moist, flavorful, and the perfect treat to make at home! An old-fashioned recipe that is perfectly spiced and may just taste better than the original!

Have you ever been in the mood for a slice of Gingerbread Loaf only to find out Starbucks is sold out or no longer carrying it? Now you can make this copycat version at home anytime that craving hits, for a fraction of the cost! This moist gingerbread loaf recipe is a favorite in my house and pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or a cold glass of milk! If you love homemade quick breads as much as I do, be sure to try my Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread and Libby’s Pumpkin Bread too!

Quick Look: Gingerbread Starbucks Recipe

• Taste: Warm gingerbread spices with sweet cream cheese frosting.
• Texture: Soft, moist gingerbread loaf with a tender crumb.
• Prep/Cook Time: 10 minutes prep, 40-45 minutes baking.
• Servings: 8 slices.
• Difficulty: Easy! This Starbucks gingerbread recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand.
• Make Ahead: This quick bread freezes well for up to 3 months. Make a double batch and save one for later!
• Perfect For: Holiday gifting! I love making mini loaves for neighbors, teachers, friends, and family. My Christmas Eggnog Bread is another favorite!

SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON

ChatGPT

Google AI

Perplexity

Claude

Add me as a trusted Google source.

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions.

• Ground Cinnamon, Cloves, and Ginger: These warm spices give the gingerbread loaf its classic flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
• Butter: I use softened unsalted butter, but salted works too.
• Orange Extract: Adds a hint of orange flavor. You can also use orange juice if you don’t have extract on hand.
• Orange Zest: A little goes a long way and adds extra flavor to the bread and frosting.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened works best and helps keep the gingerbread loaf moist. You can also use oil if you don’t have applesauce. My Cinnamon Applesauce Bread is another favorite that uses applesauce for a soft, moist texture.
• Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy frosting.

How to make Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Stir in the orange extract, orange zest, and applesauce until just combined.

Step 2. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 3. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Step 4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If making muffins, bake for about 20 minutes, or about 25 minutes for mini loaves.

Step 5. While the loaf is baking, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and orange zest, mixing until creamy. Set aside and allow the bread to cool completely before spreading or piping the frosting on top.

Step 6. Slice and enjoy!

Baking Tips

• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the gingerbread loaf moist and fluffy instead of dry and dense.
• Frosting: You can use store-bought frosting or skip the cream cheese frosting altogether. If you love the combination of orange and cream cheese, try my Tasty Orange Rolls too!
• Mix-ins: Add up to ½ cup chopped nuts, raisins, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
• Watch the baking time: All ovens bake differently, so keep an eye on your loaf, muffins, or mini loaves to avoid overbaking. If you love Starbucks copycat treats, my Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are another favorite!
• Mixing: You can use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar.
• Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg for even more warm gingerbread flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store the gingerbread loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze with or without the cream cheese frosting in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I prefer freezing without frosting and adding it after thawing.
• Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds, if desired. Keep in mind that the frosting will melt when heated, so I recommend warming unfrosted slices.

Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Recipe FAQs

More Seasonal Recipes to try

This homemade Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf is packed with warm spices, has a soft, moist texture, and is topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a favorite in my house during the holiday season and perfect for enjoying with coffee or making into mini loaves to share with friends and family!

Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.