Gingerbread Bars

why make this recipe

Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy, especially during the holiday season. They are easy to make and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives them a festive flavor. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a smooth and tangy sweetness that compliments the spiced bars perfectly.

how to make Gingerbread Bars

Making Gingerbread Bars is a straightforward process that anyone can enjoy. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch that will impress everyone.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in the molasses and eggs until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.
9. To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares to serve.

how to serve Gingerbread Bars

Gingerbread Bars are best served at room temperature, making them ideal for gatherings. You can cut them into squares and serve them on a festive platter. These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making them a delightful afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.

how to store Gingerbread Bars

Store Gingerbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

tips to make Gingerbread Bars

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined for lighter bars.
• If you wish, you can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Make sure to let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting, as this prevents melting.

variation

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding a bit of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor. You can also experiment with different spices – try allspice or nutmeg for a unique taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze Gingerbread Bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

Q: Can I make these bars without eggs?

A: You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs if you’re looking for an egg-free option.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?

A: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.

Gingerbread Bars

Delightful spiced bars topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for best texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs Can substitute with flax eggs or applesauce.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened Use room temperature for best texture.
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in the molasses and eggs until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1. To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate and return to room temperature before serving.