Gingerbread Bars
Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat that bring all the warm, cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses together in a soft, chewy bar. They’re like little squares of holiday…
Tip: save now, cook later.Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat that bring all the warm, cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses together in a soft, chewy bar. They’re like little squares of holiday magic that fill your kitchen with a wonderful spicy aroma as they bake.
I love making these bars because they’re so simple and quick to whip up, but they always feel special. The ginger and spices give them a nice kick without being too intense, and the molasses adds just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness that keeps me coming back for more.
My favorite way to enjoy gingerbread bars is with a little dollop of cream cheese frosting on top or alongside a warm cup of tea. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties or just as a cozy afternoon snack when you want something sweet and comforting. These bars always remind me of chilly evenings and happy gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil, but expect a slight flavor change.
Molasses: Molasses gives these bars their deep, rich flavor. Blackstrap molasses is stronger and less sweet, while regular molasses is milder. You can swap molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the taste will be lighter.
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are key to the warm, festive flavor. If you don’t have cloves, allspice or pumpkin pie spice works well. Adjust spices to your taste if you like it milder or stronger.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Adding sour cream or plain yogurt keeps the bars moist and tender. Greek yogurt can be used as a thicker substitute but might add more tang.
Cream Cheese Frosting: This frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish. For a lighter option, try a simple powdered sugar glaze or skip frosting altogether for a more rustic bar.
How to Get Moist, Soft Gingerbread Bars Every Time?
Moisture and texture come from mixing and baking techniques. Here’s what helps:
- Cream butter and sugar well until fluffy; it traps air for a light texture.
- Add dry ingredients gradually with sour cream to keep the batter smooth and moist.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added to avoid tough bars.
- Bake just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs — overbaking dries bars out.
- Cool completely before frosting; warm bars can melt the frosting.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy cutting into bars.
- Mixing bowls – one large for wet ingredients and one for dry; keeps things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Rubber spatula – great for folding ingredients without losing air.
- Parchment paper – helps lift bars out easily without sticking.
- Wire rack – lets bars cool completely so frosting won’t melt.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for a spicy bite that complements the warm spices.
- Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and texture.
- Swap some molasses for maple syrup for a softer, sweeter flavor.
- Replace cream cheese frosting with a simple orange glaze for a fresh, citrus twist.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses (preferably blackstrap for deeper flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Small bits of candied ginger or toffee bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25 to 30 minutes to bake, and additional time to cool completely before frosting. Plan around 1 hour total including cooling and frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping and Mixing the Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses until combined well.
2. Combining Dry Ingredients and Mixing:
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg if using. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, careful not to overmix.
3. Baking the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and moist. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Making and Adding the Frosting:
While bars cool, prepare the frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. When bars have completely cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top.
5. Finishing Touches and Serving:
Optionally dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with candied ginger or toffee bits for a festive look. Cut the gingerbread into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I Use Frozen Molasses for This Recipe?
It’s best to use room temperature molasses for easy mixing. If your molasses is chilled or thickened, gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water to make it pourable before adding it to the batter.
Can I Make Gingerbread Bars Without Cream Cheese Frosting?
Absolutely! These bars are delicious on their own or with a simple powdered sugar glaze. You can also dust them with a little cinnamon sugar or enjoy them plain for a less sweet option.
How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes! Plain yogurt works well as a substitute and keeps the bars moist. You can also try buttermilk or crème fraîche if that’s what you have on hand.
