It's been a hot minute since I posted a take-out fake-out, and it's about time that I made one that was more of a breakfast or dessert. Now that pumpkin spice season is over, it's all about sugar cookies, gingerbread, and eggnog. So... here we go!

The idea for this Gingerbread Loaf comes straight from Starbucks. Let's face it, they have some of the most indulgent and tasty breakfast treats that you'll come across. But, when you're trying to save a buck or a few pounds, those numbers are scary and staggering.

Baking is not my forte, but over the years I've definitely gotten better and am feeling more comfortable with cakes, cookies, and bread. I gotta say, I was really very impressed with how well this loaf turned out on attempt one. The 'cake' part is soft, fluffy, and so sooo decadent.

The frosting on top gives you just enough sweetness to cut through the spice of the cake. And trust me when I say that the crystalized ginger on top adds even more spice while giving a nod to the coffee giant's original loaf.

This homemade version is, dare I say it, better than the store bought one. Gasp! I know. Plus, you don't have to feel nearly as guilty about it. And while the ingredient list might look lengthy, most of the stuff there are pantry staples that you'll probably already have on hand. The loaf actually comes together surprisingly quick.

I keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, mostly because of the frosting and it's milk content.

Skinny 'Starbucks' Gingerbread Loaf
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 8 • Size: 1 Slice • Calories: 275 • Fat: 9 g • Saturated Fat: 5 g • Carb: 53 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 4 g • Sugar: 27 g • Sodium: 256 mg

Ingredients:
Loaf:
1/2 C. (1 Stick) Light Butter
1/2 C. Sugar
1/4 C. Baking Sweetener
1 C. Unsweetened Applesauce
1 Whole Large Egg
1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 C. All-Purpose Flour
1/2 C. Whole Wheat White Flour
2 Tsp. Ground Ginger
2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 Tsp. Ground Cloves
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
1 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Ground Nutmeg

Orange Frosting:
3/4 C. Powdered Sugar
1-1/2 Tbsp. Fat-Free Milk
1/2 Tsp. Orange Extract

Optional Garnish: Candied/Crystalized Ginger

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and lightly coat the inside of a loaf pan with non-stick baking spray; set aside.

In the large bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the 1/2 C. (1 Stick) Light Butter, 1/2 C. Sugar and 1/4 C. Baking Sweetener on medium speed until soft and fluffy.

Add the 1 C. Unsweetened Applesauce, 1 Whole Large Egg and 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract and beat until well combined.

NOTE: The mixture may look strange at this point. That's okay!

Slowly add the 1 C. All-Purpose Flour and the 1/2 C. Whole Wheat White Flour, followed by
2 Tsp. Ground Ginger, 2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon, 1 Tsp. Ground Cloves, 1 Tsp. Baking Soda, 1 Tsp. Salt, and 1/2 Tsp. Ground Nutmeg until just combined. Do NOT overmix!

PRO TIP: Measure your flour into the measuring cups by spooning it in and leveling off.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it into the oven to bake for about 1 hour or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

In a medium bowl whisk together the 3/4 C. Powdered Sugar, 1 Tbsp. Fat-Free Milk and 1/4 Tsp. Orange Extract.

NOTE: If the frosting seems too thick add in another 1/2 Tbsp. of milk at a time to reach the desired consistency.

Pour the frosting over the cooled loaf and sprinkle on candied ginger if desired.

Allow the frosting to stand for about an hour before slicing and serving to enjoy!

Nutritional Claims: Low Potassium, Kidney Friendly, Pescatarian, Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, Soy Free, Fish Free, Shellfish Free, Pork Free, Red Meat Free, Crustacean Free, Celery Free, Mustard Free, Sesame Free, Lupine Free, Mollusk Free, Alcohol Free