Best Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Ever

Gingerbread bars dance with warm, nostalgic spices that instantly transport you to cozy winter kitchens.

Seasonal comfort wraps around these delectable treats like a sweet, aromatic blanket.

Rich molasses and fragrant spices create a symphony of deep, complex flavors that tantalize taste buds.

Soft, dense textures contrast beautifully with the smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting crowning each delightful square.

Warm baking aromas will fill your home with memories of festive gatherings and cherished family traditions.

Home bakers adore these simple yet impressive dessert bars that elevate ordinary moments into something magical.

Comfort meets elegance in every single bite of this irresistible seasonal indulgence.

What You Need for Frosted Gingerbread Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for the bar's structure, provides essential texture and stability.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a rich, deep flavor profile.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, moist texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the bars.

• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that give traditional gingerbread its signature flavor and aroma.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dessert.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, creamy frosting with perfect sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract, Molasses: Adds depth of flavor and contributes to the rich, complex taste of the gingerbread.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender texture.

How to Bake and Frost These Soft Gingerbread Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)

Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil or parchment paper

Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray

Step 2: Create the Base Mixture

Soften butter at room temperature

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Cream ingredients until fluffy and light

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Molasses

Whip mixture for 1-2 minutes until color turns soft brown

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda

Combine until ingredients are just blended

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread dough evenly in prepared pan

Bake for 20-22 minutes

Watch for edges to turn slightly golden brown

Step 6: Craft Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until smooth and creamy

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Allow bars to cool completely in pan

Spread frosting evenly across surface

Cut into squares

Serve immediately or refrigerate in sealed container

Tips for Deep Spice and Tangy Frosting Balance

• Chill Ingredients Strategically: Let butter and cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Monitor Baking Closely: Check gingerbread bars at 18 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens vary and can quickly dry out the delicate texture.
• Spice Balance Matters: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for robust gingerbread flavor; replace spices older than six months for maximum taste potential.
• Frosting Technique: For clean, professional-looking bars, use an offset spatula to spread cream cheese frosting evenly and create smooth edges.
• Storage Secret: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.

Store Gingerbread Bars to Keep Them Moist

• Refrigerate: Store leftover gingerbread bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Thaw and Serve: Remove bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying. Gently pat off any condensation with a paper towel to keep the frosting looking perfect.

Enjoy With Hot Drinks or Seasonal Fruits

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a rich, aromatic chai tea that complements the warm ginger and spice notes in the bars, creating a cozy flavor harmony.
• Match with Mulled Wine: Serve a glass of mulled wine with cinnamon and orange zest, which echoes the deep, warming spices in the gingerbread and adds a festive touch.
• Combine with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars to balance the spicy warmth with cool, smooth sweetness.
• Enjoy with Caramel Latte: Sip a smooth caramel latte that brings out the molasses undertones and provides a rich, complementary flavor profile to the gingerbread.

Flavor Adjustments for the Frosting or Base

• Holiday Spice Remix: Add extra ground cardamom and allspice to amplify the warm, festive flavor profile of the gingerbread bars for a deeper, more complex taste experience.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese frosting for a delightful textural contrast and rich, nutty undertone.
• Chocolate Drizzle Upgrade: Melt dark chocolate and create a light zigzag pattern over the frosted bars, adding a luxurious chocolate element that complements the traditional gingerbread spices.
• Seasonal Berry Boost: Garnish the bars with fresh pomegranate seeds or finely diced candied orange peel to introduce a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich, sweet frosting.

Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting That Deliver

• Capture Holiday Warmth: These gingerbread bars bring cozy winter vibes with their rich blend of classic holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger that instantly transport you to festive gatherings.
• Effortless Elegance: The simple one-bowl mixing method and straightforward baking process make these bars perfect for bakers of all skill levels, delivering delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Creamy Comfort Topping: The luxurious cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy contrast to the deep, spicy gingerbread base, creating a balanced dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them an ideal stress-free dessert for busy holiday entertaining or quick sweet treats throughout the week.

Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade gingerbread bars bring warmth and nostalgia from classic holiday baking traditions. Rich spices and creamy frosting create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave long after the festive season ends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup molasses

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a gentle 325°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by lining it with foil or parchment, then lightly mist with cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture achieves a cloud-like consistency.
3. Incorporate the egg, aromatic vanilla, and rich molasses into the sugar mixture, whisking energetically for 1-2 minutes until the color transforms to a warm caramel hue.
4. Gently fold in the warming spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ground ginger), along with salt, flour, and baking soda, stirring just until the dry ingredients harmonize with the wet ingredients.
5. Carefully spread the spiced dough across the prepared pan, ensuring an even, smooth surface.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, watching for delicate browning along the edges.
7. Carefully remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, letting the flavors settle and intensify.
8. For the luscious frosting, whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
9. Once the gingerbread bars have reached room temperature, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface.
10. Slice into elegant squares and serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Notes

• Spice Blend Magic: Warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ground ginger create a cozy, festive flavor explosion that’ll transport you to holiday comfort.
• Texture Perfection: The bars bake up soft and chewy with crisp edges, offering a delightful contrast to the silky smooth cream cheese frosting.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These gingerbread bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them ideal for busy holiday gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve as a casual treat, elegant party dessert, or pack in lunchboxes for a delicious midday pick-me-up.
• Frosting Tip: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the smoothest, lump-free frosting that spreads like a dream.
• Storage Hack: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg