Gingerbread Loaf (Healthier Starbucks Copycat)
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Served Person: 12
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 egg whites (i used 1/4 cup carton egg whites)
- 2 cups oat flour
- 12 packets stevia *or 2/3 cup stevia for baking or 1 tsp+ to taste concentrated powdered stevia (or 2/3 cup sugar substitute of choice. could also use honey, sucanat, coconut sugar...etc, but nutrition will change)
- 2/3 up unsweetened applesauce (or 2 snack packs)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or oil or coconut oil for dairy free)
- 1 tbsp candied orange peel * (should be in the baking ais
- 2 1/2 tsps ginger (dried ground)
- 2 tbsp lower fat cream cheese (use tofutti better than cr
- 1-2 tsp milk (just enough for it to come together)
- 1 tbsp candied orange peel (garnish)
- Carbohydrate 31.8935031914773 g
- Cholesterol 20.8798611100065 mg
- Fat 9.52026265602277 g
- Fiber 1.44791006291575 g
- Protein 3.28581017269706 g
- Saturated Fat 5.23898672554627 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (61g)
- Sodium 72.5918836517178 mg
- Sugar 30.4455931285616 g
- Trans Fat 0.792071289917814 g
- Calories 223 calories
My Secret to a Healthier, Delicious Gingerbread Loaf
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, but the aroma of freshly baked goods always brings a smile to my face. I crave the comforting warmth of gingerbread, especially during the cooler months. But let's be honest, those store-bought gingerbread loaves, while tasty, can be loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. That's why I decided to create my own healthier version, inspired by a Starbucks favorite—and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
This recipe is a testament to how you can indulge in your cravings without sacrificing your health goals. The secret lies in smart substitutions. Instead of relying heavily on refined sugar, I've incorporated stevia, a natural sweetener, offering a touch of sweetness without the guilt. Oat flour adds a wholesome twist, replacing traditional all-purpose flour for a boost of fiber. And the use of unsweetened applesauce and lower-fat cream cheese contributes to a delightful moisture and creaminess without adding extra calories.
The process itself is surprisingly simple, perfect even for novice bakers. The ingredients are readily available, most likely already found in your pantry. The candied orange peel adds a delightful burst of citrus, perfectly complementing the warm spices of gingerbread. The icing, light and creamy, complements the gingerbread beautifully, bringing a touch of elegance to this otherwise humble loaf. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee on a chilly evening.
Beyond the taste, the convenience of this recipe is its biggest draw. I often make a double batch, freezing one for those busy mornings or unexpected guests. It's the perfect make-ahead treat! It keeps well both at room temperature and in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week.
This gingerbread loaf has become a staple in my home. My kids love it, and so does my husband. It's the kind of treat that makes any gathering special. It's also fantastic to take to potlucks or bake for friends and family. Sharing homemade treats is one of the things I love most, and this recipe has become a favorite for sharing and receiving compliments.
Beyond the Recipe: My Baking Journey
Baking has always been a therapeutic activity for me. The precision, the creative process, and the joy of sharing the results have always been a welcome escape from the pressures of daily life. I find a sense of accomplishment in creating something delicious and beautiful from scratch. My baking journey began with simple recipes and evolved into a passion for creating healthy and delicious variations of classic treats.
I’m always experimenting, exploring new ingredients and techniques. My focus is not just on making tasty food but also on creating recipes that align with a healthy lifestyle. I believe that we shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste for health. Delicious and nutritious can coexist—and this gingerbread loaf is proof of that!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Feel free to experiment with different types of milk, sweeteners, and even add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. The beauty of baking is its flexibility; don’t be afraid to put your own creative spin on it.
Happy baking!
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with paddle attachment, mix together all the sweeteners and wet ingredients (stevia through to milk). Mix until smooth.
- To the same bowl, add in the dry ingredients (oat flour, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, salt). Mix until combined.
- Stir in 1 Tbsp of the candied orange peel by hand.
- Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Pour in the batter, and bake for approx 40 min until cooked through (test with a toothpick if you like).
- Remove from oven, cool completely.
- Meanwhile, whisk all the icing ingredients together (except orange peel).
- Slather on the cooled gingerbread loaf and sprinkle an additional 1 Tbsp of the candied orange peel on top of the icing.
- Could be left out at room temp for a day, but then store in the fridge to keep fresh, or can be frozen as well.
