Preparation:

1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

1. Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until fully combined.
2. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).

5: Bake the Gingerbread Loaf

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6: Cool and Glaze

1. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

7: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the top with red-and-green holiday sprinkles, crystallized ginger pieces (if using), and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive finish.