Gingerbread Loaf

This spiced vegan Gingerbread Loaf with cream cheese icing tastes just like the holidays! Light, fluffy, and with a wonderfully warming gingerbread flavor, this is a must-have treat for the holiday season and it’s so easy to make.

This loaf was inspired by Starbuck’s gingerbread loaf. Want more vegan Starbucks copycats? Be sure to check out my Vegan Pumpkin Scones, Vegan Cranberry Bliss Bars, and Lemon Loaf recipes as well!

The legendary Starbucks gingerbread loaf is a classic holiday treat but, unfortunately, is not vegan. That’s okay, because this homemade vegan Gingerbread Loaf is even better! Warmly spiced, moist, and decorated with vegan cream cheese icing, it’s an easy festive cake you’ll absolutely adore.

Why this is the best gingerbread loaf

• Perfect for the holidays – Just like my Ginger Crinkle Cookies, this loaf cake is perfectly spiced and deliciously moist. You can even customize it with mix-ins, like dried cranberries, candied ginger, or chopped nuts.
• Topped with cream cheese icing – A generous layer of vegan cream cheese icing on top is a sweet and creamy complement to the warmly spiced bites.
• A foolproof dessert or snack – Simply whip the batter together, bake the cake, then make the icing. Decorate the loaf when it’s cool, then slice and enjoy!
• Better than Starbucks – Finally, you can enjoy a slice of vegan gingerbread loaf with your vegan hot chocolate, eggnog, or pumpkin spice latte!

How to make a gingerbread loaf

To start, mix the soy milk, ground flaxseeds, and apple cider vinegar together in a glass measuring cup or small bowl. Set it aside to thicken and curdle.

Meanwhile, whisk the molasses, melted vegan butter, brown sugar, orange zest, and vanilla together in a large bowl.

Stir the flax-milk mixture into the wet mixture.

Next, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt to the bowl with the wet mixture. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until just combined.

Do not overmix the batter! Overmixing will make the loaf dense or gummy rather than light and fluffy. Avoid this by gently folding the dry mix into the wet until no dry flour remains.

Want mix-ins? At this point, you can gently fold dried cranberries, chopped nuts, chopped candied ginger, or chopped candied orange peel into the batter. Yum!

Pour the batter into a parchment-lined loaf pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set it aside to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the frosting by beating the vegan cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar together until creamy and smooth. Thin the consistency with a tablespoon of milk if needed.

Vegan cream cheese tips: I like to make vegan cream cheese frosting with Trader Joe’s, Tofutti, Miyoko’s, or Kite Hill vegan cream cheese. My Tofu Cream Cheese (omit the nutritional yeast) might work as well but I haven’t tested it. I don’t recommend Daiya because it has a strange aftertaste.

Spread a thick layer of frosting on top of the cooled loaf.

Decorate the top with chopped walnuts, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, orange zest, or any other festive toppings you love. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

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Gingerbread Loaf

This spiced vegan Gingerbread Loaf with cream cheese icing tastes just like the holidays! Light, fluffy, and with a wonderfully warming gingerbread flavor, this is a must-have treat for the holiday season and it's so easy to make.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 10 slices

Calories 373kcal

Author Nora Taylor

Ingredients

Gingerbread loaf

• 1 cup unsweetened soy milk or other plant milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
• 1/2 cup molasses I used Grandma's brand
• 1/2 cup melted vegan butter or canola oil
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 orange, zested 1 tablespoon
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream cheese frosting and toppings

• 4 ounces vegan cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy milk if needed
• zest from half an orange optional
• chopped walnuts or pecans optional
• pomegranate seeds or dried cranberry pieces optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, add the soy milk, ground flaxseeds and apple cider vinegar. Whisk vigorously with a fork to combine, then let sit for 2 minutes to thicken and curdle.
• In a large bowl, add the molasses, melted vegan butter, brown sugar, orange zest and vanilla. Whisk very well to combine. Now whisk in the milk mixture.
• To the wet ingredients, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Stir with a large wooden spoon or spatula until just combined, being careful not to over mix.
• Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
• Make the frosting – Add the vegan cream cheese, vanilla and powdered sugar to a medium sized bowl. With a hand mixer, beat everything together starting on low speed and increasing to high until creamy and smooth. Add the tablespoon of milk if needed to thin.
• Spread a thick layer of frosting on top of the cooled loaf and sprinkle with chopped walnuts, orange zest, pomegranate or cranberries, if desired. Slice, serve and enjoy!

Notes

1. Optional add-ins – chopped candied ginger, dried cranberries, nuts or chopped candied orange peel would all be yummy additions.
2. You can leave the frosting off and keep it plain, if desired. Or serve slices with a little vegan whipped cream instead.
3. Gluten free – Substitute a quality gluten free flour. I like Better Batter.
4. If you don’t like a lot of spices, cut them in half.
5. Oat, almond, coconut or any other plant milk should work as well.
6. Nut free – Leave off the nuts on the topping.
7. Muffins – You can make this bread as muffins instead. Fill liners and bake for 20-22 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 10 slices | Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 489IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 3mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat meat while following a plant-based diet

Although plant-based diets prohibit meat, fish and poultry, they allow certain food items to be prepared that do not contain animal products. Some people who follow a plant-based diet can still eat dairy and eggs, but only in moderation. Many options are available to people who wish to change to a plant based diet. These include vegan, vegetarian and vegan options. Plant-based diets emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds like oatmeal and quinoa as well as soy products and fortified food such as non-dairy coconut or almond milk.

There are many grocery stores that sell vegan products. Tofu, seitan (wheat flour), tempeh(fermented soybeans), mock duck made with mushrooms, and other soy-based meats can all replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat dishes. A variety of vegetarian burgers using black beans and/or quinoa are available that can be very close to beef burgers.

Many plant-based options are available for those who don't want to eat meat, but still want something other than a meal replacement. Vegan substitutes include tofu mayo and coconut bacon strips; eggplant bacon bits or coconut bacon; vegetable hot dogs with seasoned texture soy protein; faux chicken strips made from wheat gluten; and veggie hot dog recipes. Furthermore, while some processed forms of fermented fungi, like mushrooms, taste like something similar to steak or pork when cooked properly, they can have similar sensory properties as meat but with significantly less environmental impact due to their far lower water use when compared with livestock production. Ultimately, meat that one might once would have eaten could be safely replaced with these alternatives, making transitioning into a plant-based diet more manageable.

How can a plant-based diet improve your health?

A plant-based diet has many health benefits. A lower chance of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and stroke if you eat more plant-based foods than animal products. Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They can also help prevent inflammation and oxidative harm. Due to the availability of dietary fiber, it has been proven that eating lots of fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes and legumes is beneficial. Dietary fiber feeds your stomach bacteria and maintains your digestive health. Plant-based meal plans are usually low in saturated fats, which may help improve cholesterol levels in the blood. Studies have shown that eating a plant-based diet may help to reduce anxiety and depression. Long-term satisfaction can be achieved by consuming a mixture of plant-based proteins as well as healthy fats like avocados and nuts.

What amount of meat is acceptable on a plant-based diet.

A plant-based diet prohibits the consumption of any meat. This diet eliminates all animal products including poultry, fish, and meat. Fortunately, plenty of vegan substitutes can offer the same flavor and texture without animal products. Soy-based meats like tofu, seitan, tempeh (fermented soy beans), and mock duck made with mushrooms can replicate the flavor of traditional meat dishes. Vegetarian burgers made of black beans and/or quinoa can be as good as beef burgers. You can also make vegan burgers with eggplant bacon bits or coconut bacon strips; tofu mayo; vegetable hot dogs with seasoned texture soy protein; and faux chicken strips made from wheat gluten. These are excellent options for those who want to switch to a plant-based diet. They're flavorful, protein-packed, and don't contain any animal products.

Are there any celebrity or athlete advocates of a plant-based diet?

Yes, there are many celebrity and athlete advocates of a plant-based diet. This includes Kyrie Irving, a NBA player, and Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 World Champion. Also, Natalie Portman, Meghan Trainor, and Kenneth Farrow, the NFL's running back. Each have chosen to live a vegetarian/vegan life for their reasons, and they have all achieved amazing results in their sports or creative endeavors. Actress Alicia Silverstone even wrote a book about her experiences with the vegan lifestyle, Kind Diet. Professional tennis player Novak Djokovic has credited his career successes to his unconventional habit of eating primarily organic vegan foods during competitions; his stats have drastically improved since he adopted this regimen. All four professional athletes point to some significant qualities, including heightened energy levels, faster recovery from injuries, and improved overall health and wellness. Plant-based diets are a powerful tool to improve athleticism, as demonstrated by the success stories.

What is the disadvantage of plant-based meat?

The main problem of plant-based protein is the absence of essential vitamins. Plant-based meat has lower levels of certain essential amino compounds, vitamin B12 and iron. These nutrients are found in greater amounts in animal protein sources. Because of the large amount of sodium needed to preserve them, some plant-based proteins have higher sodium levels than real meat. Additionally, quality vegan products can be more expensive and take longer to get from online stores or grocery stores. When cooking times and food preparation are considered, vegan options may require more effort.

Statistics

• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
• In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

[TAG68]

• What is the prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

[TAG70]

• Effects from Plant-Based Diets upon Weight Status: A Systematic Analysis - PMC


• Healthcare professionals can use plant-based nutrition to prevent and treat chronic diseases. PMC

[TAG73]

• What is a plant based diet and should you try it out? - Harvard Health

[TAG75]

• Scientific Reports


• The carbon opportunity cost for animal-sourced food production on the land. Nature Sustainability

How To

How to deal with social situations when you are on a plant based diet

Transitioning to a plant-based diet inevitably requires navigating social situations, such as eating out with friends and family. Be proactive before going out for dinner to ensure that you don't compromise your dietary preferences while still enjoying tasty meals. Check the menu options before you go. Some restaurants are more accommodating to vegetarians than others. Vegetarians can choose from Indian or Japanese cuisines.

If the venue of choice is suitable for vegans, kick-off conversation with friends and family about your preferred food items; this will minimize ordering mistakes at the restaurant eliminating awkward explanations or misunderstandings about your dietary restrictions. Trust the chef's judgment when creating vegan dishes. Talk to them if you have questions so they can best understand your needs.

You can help make a difference by bringing along healthy snacks and drinks to vegan events. Recognize even the smallest gestures regarding vegan cooking as your non-vegan family members begin to incorporate plant-based recipes into their lives.

Navigating social situations while sticking to a vegan diet may seem challenging initially. It will become second nature over time. Start small and believe in yourself.

Resources:

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