Spice Up Your Life: The Ultimate Extra Gingery Bread Recipe
Gingerbread is a classic treat, especially during the colder months. Its warm, spicy flavor and comforting aroma make it a perfect companion for a cup of tea or coffee. But sometimes, you want *more* ginger. You crave that extra kick, that intense warmth that really wakes up your senses. This recipe is for you: The Ultimate Extra Gingery Bread.
This isn’t your grandma’s gingerbread (unless your grandma was a particularly adventurous baker!). We’re not holding back on the ginger here. We’re using fresh ginger, ground ginger, and even candied ginger to create a bread that is intensely flavorful, moist, and utterly irresistible. Get ready for a gingerbread experience unlike any other.
Why This Recipe Works
* **Triple Ginger Power:** Fresh ginger provides a zesty bite, ground ginger adds warmth and depth, and candied ginger offers sweetness and chewy texture. This combination ensures a complex and satisfying ginger flavor.
* **Moist and Tender Crumb:** The use of molasses, oil, and buttermilk contributes to a incredibly moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its complex flavor, this bread is surprisingly simple to make. No fancy equipment or techniques are required.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add other spices like cloves, nutmeg, or cardamom to customize the flavor to your liking. You can also add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
* 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 cup molasses
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup finely grated fresh ginger
* 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Powdered sugar for dusting
* Cream cheese frosting
* Gingersnap crumbles
* Chopped nuts
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to bake the perfect extra gingery bread:
**Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and prevents the bread from being raw in the middle.
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes it easy to remove after baking.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Whisking ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for proper leavening and flavor.
**Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars**
* In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to a lighter and more tender crumb. Make sure the butter is properly softened – not melted, but easily pliable.
**Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients**
* Beat in the vegetable oil and molasses until well combined. The oil adds moisture, while the molasses contributes to the gingerbread’s signature flavor and color.
* Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the bread.
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough bread. Adding the dry and wet ingredients in alternating batches ensures that everything is evenly incorporated.
**Step 5: Fold in Ginger**
* Gently fold in the grated fresh ginger and chopped candied ginger. Be careful not to overmix. These are the stars of the show, adding intense ginger flavor and chewy texture.
**Step 6: Pour into Pan and Bake**
* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Leveling the batter ensures that the bread bakes evenly.
* Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
**Step 7: Cool and Serve**
* Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the bread in the pan prevents it from collapsing.
* Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar, frost with cream cheese frosting, or top with gingersnap crumbles or chopped nuts, if desired. Slice and serve.
## Tips for the Best Gingery Bread
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the bread will taste. Opt for high-quality spices and molasses for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
* **Adjust the Spices to Your Liking:** If you prefer a milder ginger flavor, reduce the amount of ground ginger. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Store Properly:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
* **Bring Butter and Eggs to Room Temperature:** Room temperature ingredients emulsify more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender crumb.
* **Use a Kitchen Scale:** For the most accurate measurements, use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients. This is especially important for baking.
* **Prevent Over-Browning:** If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
## Variations and Additions
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chocolate Chip Gingerbread:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
* **Nuts and Dried Fruit:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) and 1/2 cup of dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) for extra texture and flavor.
* **Spiced Glaze:** Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of ground ginger. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Swirl cream cheese frosting into the batter before baking for a tangy and creamy addition. Soften 4 ounces of cream cheese and beat with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the batter and swirl with a knife.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Similar to lemon zest, orange zest can add a different citrus note to your gingerbread.
* **Maple Syrup:** Replace some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to the batter for a moist and flavorful bread with a subtle pumpkin spice flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Warm with Butter:** Simply slice and serve warm with a pat of butter. This is a classic and comforting way to enjoy gingerbread.
* **Toasted with Cream Cheese:** Toast slices of gingerbread and spread with cream cheese for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
* **Gingerbread French Toast:** Use gingerbread slices to make French toast for a special and flavorful breakfast.
* **Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches:** Cut gingerbread into squares and use them as cookies for ice cream sandwiches.
* **Gingerbread Trifle:** Crumble gingerbread and layer it with custard, whipped cream, and fruit for a delicious trifle.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Gingerbread is the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea.
* **As a Dessert with Whipped Cream:** Top slices of gingerbread with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple and elegant dessert.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use a different type of flour?**
* While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier bread. However, you may need to add a little extra liquid to compensate for the extra absorption of the whole wheat flour.
* **Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
* Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is specifically designed for baking.
* **Can I make this recipe dairy-free?**
* Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the buttermilk with a dairy-free buttermilk alternative (such as almond milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar).
* **How do I prevent the bread from sinking in the middle?**
* Make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you are using the correct baking temperature. Also, avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking. Overmixing the batter can also contribute to sinking.
* **How long does this bread last?**
* Stored properly, this bread will last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
* **Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?**
* Yes, this recipe uses both fresh and ground ginger. Make sure to grate the fresh ginger finely.
* **Can I add nuts to the batter?**
* Yes, you can add up to 1 cup of chopped nuts to the batter. Walnuts and pecans are a great choice.
* **What if I don’t have buttermilk?**
* You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
## The Ultimate Extra Gingery Bread Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of ginger, a spice that brings warmth and joy to our kitchens. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a comforting treat, this extra gingery bread is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade gingerbread.
**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes
### Ingredients:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
* 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 cup molasses
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup finely grated fresh ginger
* 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
### Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves (if using).
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in vegetable oil and molasses until well combined.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in grated fresh ginger and chopped candied ginger.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust with powdered sugar, frost with cream cheese frosting, or top with gingersnap crumbles or chopped nuts, if desired. Slice and serve.
Enjoy your delicious, extra gingery bread! It’s a perfect treat for any occasion and is sure to warm your heart and soul. Happy baking!