Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. Using a spice grinder, grind the Mulling Spice blend until it resembles the texture of a ground spice. Set aside.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla and continue mixing until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses and hot water until smooth. Add the molasses mixture to the butter mixture and beat a few times, until just combined.
5. Add in the flour, baking soda, ground mulling spice, cinnamon, and salt. Fold everything together using a rubber spatula until just combined. (Do not overmix or your bread may be dry).

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and transfer to the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Note - if the top of your bread is starting to get too dark before it’s cooked through, lightly tent your loaf with foil).

7. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.