Gingerbread has been a favorite holiday treat for centuries, with its warm and spicy flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. However, many traditional gingerbread recipes contain animal products, making them off-limits for those following a vegan diet. Luckily, with a few simple substitutions, it’s easy to create a delicious vegan gingerbread loaf that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients:

● 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

● 1 tsp baking powder

● 1 tsp baking soda

● 2 tsp ground ginger

● 1 tsp cinnamon

● 1/4 tsp nutmeg

● 1/4 tsp cloves

● 1/4 tsp salt

● 1/3 cup coconut oil

● 1/2 cup molasses

● 1/2 cup brown sugar

● 1 egg

● 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

● 1 tsp vanilla extract

● 1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium basin.

3. Cream the coconut oil, molasses, and brown sugar until smooth in a separate, big bowl.

4. The wet components are blended with the flax egg, applesauce, and vanilla extract.

5. Mix just till mixed after gradually incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ones.

6. When the batter is smooth and thoroughly incorporated, pour in the hot water and whisk.

7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, after pouring the batter into the loaf pan that has been prepared.

8. Before transferring the gingerbread loaf to a wire rack to finish cooling, let it 10 minutes to cool in the pan.

9. Serve the gingerbread loaf hot or cold with your preferred vegan whipped cream or icing on top.

Health Benefits of Vegan Gingerbread Loaf

In addition to being cruelty-free, vegan gingerbread loaves are also a healthier alternative to traditional gingerbread. By using whole food ingredients and eliminating animal products, you can enjoy a treat that’s lower in fat and calories, higher in fiber, and packed with essential nutrients.

For example, the molasses in this recipe is a rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, while the applesauce adds natural sweetness and fiber. Even the spices in this recipe, such as ginger and cinnamon, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic disease.