Gingerbread Bars offer a festive addition to your dessert table, bringing a touch of gourmet flair. With their blend of warm spices and rich, chewy texture, these bars are both sophisticated and satisfying. This recipe is ideal for any occasion and will surely become a cherished favorite.
Gingerbread Bars
Why These Gingerbread Bars Are the Best
Warm and Spiced Flavor: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives these bars a warm, comforting flavor that epitomizes the holiday season.
Chewy and Soft Texture: The bars are perfectly chewy and soft, thanks to the molasses and a rich batter.
Festive Frosting: The addition of a creamy frosting with festive sprinkles provides a delightful contrast to the spiced bar base.
Moist and Tender: The molasses keeps the bars moist and tender, making them melt in your mouth.
Holiday Memories
Gingerbread Bars have long been a beloved treat during the holiday season. The aroma of ginger and spices filling the kitchen brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making them a perfect treat for cozy gatherings. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or shared at a festive holiday party, these bars are sure to bring joy and comfort to any occasion.
Ingredient Notes:
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bars, providing structure and stability for the chewy texture.
Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These spices give the bars their signature warm, aromatic flavor, creating a classic gingerbread taste.
Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and moisture, helping to create a soft and tender texture in the bars.
Brown Sugar and Unsulphured Molasses: Add sweetness and depth, with molasses providing a distinct flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Egg and Vanilla Extract: The egg helps bind the ingredients together, while vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
With a Glass of Milk: Serve Gingerbread Bars with a cold glass of milk for a classic and delicious pairing.
As a Dessert: These bars are perfect as a dessert for any gathering or special occasion.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
With Ice Cream: Enjoy these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Gift Idea: Package these bars in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Bars
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth and even batter.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality molasses and spices ensures a rich and smooth filling.
Avoid Overbaking: Bake the bars just until the edges begin to brown to ensure they remain tender and chewy.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the smell of Gingerbread Bars baking in the kitchen. These bars are the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Warm, spiced, and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious bar recipes!
Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars
Apple Crumble Bars
Blueberry Crumble Bars
Strawberry Crumble Bars
Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoon 300gr all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup 170g unsalted butter, diced into 1 tablespoon pieces, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup 220g packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup 60ml unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt for about 20 seconds, then set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the butter, brown sugar, and molasses until well combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour mixture at low speed until just combined. If necessary, use a spatula to fold the batter until it is evenly incorporated.
- Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish, using your hands to spread and press it into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the bars are fully baked (be careful not to over-bake).
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the cream cheese frosting:
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the butter and cream cheese using the paddle attachment until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the sugar and vanilla powder, and mix until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
- Slice into squares and cover. Store in the refrigerator with a lid or plastic wrap.
Notes
- Prefer to freeze the frosting in 3-minute intervals, mixing with the stand mixer between each interval until it reaches my desired consistency. This process typically takes about 9 minutes in total.
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Gingerbread Bars