Gingerbread Loaf with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease with non-stick cooking spray a 9X5 inch loaf pan. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper. The non-stick spray will hold the parchment paper in place and allow for easy removal once the gingerbread is baked.

In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. In a small bowl combine hot water and molasses, stirring until combined.

In a large stand mixer mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, beat together softened butter and dark brown sugar. Next add in egg and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.

Next add in flour mixture a little at a time alternating with the molasses mixture a little at a time. Mix until everything is combined.

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes rotating the bread during the cooking process to ensure that it bakes evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Once baked allow bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes then remove it to a cooling rack. Allow bread to completely cool before frostng.

Make frosting. In a medium bowl combine. confectioners' sugar, orange juice and softened cream cheese. Mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Frost the gingerbread.

Serve and enjoy!