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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture achieves a cloud-like consistency.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully spread the spiced dough across the prepared pan, ensuring an even, smooth surface.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, watching for delicate browning along the edges.
- Carefully remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, letting the flavors settle and intensify.
- For the luscious frosting, whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
- Once the gingerbread bars have reached room temperature, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface.
- 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