Gingerbread Bars
Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, all wrapped up in a soft, cakey texture that's just the right balance of chewy…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, all wrapped up in a soft, cakey texture that’s just the right balance of chewy and tender. These bars bring all the cozy flavors of gingerbread in an easy-to-share form, making them perfect for holiday seasons or any time you’re craving a bit of sweet spice.
I love making gingerbread bars because they’re so simple to whip up and the whole house fills with that inviting, spicy aroma while they bake. I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before popping them in the oven for a tiny crunch, which makes every bite feel even more special. Plus, they’re completely fuss-free and great for kids to help with!
When serving, I like to cut them into squares and enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or milk. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want a casual dessert. Gingerbread bars are perfect when you want something sweet and comforting but not too heavy—like a sweet little hug on a plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Molasses: This gives gingerbread its deep, rich flavor. If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can work, but molasses is best for that classic taste.
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create that warm, cozy flavor. Freshly ground spices give the best punch, but pre-ground spices are fine too.
Butter and Brown Sugar: Using softened butter helps the batter blend smoothly. Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. For a dairy-free option, swap butter for coconut oil.
Cream Cheese Frosting: This classic topping adds a creamy, tangy finish that balances the spices well. You can substitute with a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer something lighter.
How Do You Get the Perfect Moist and Tender Texture in Gingerbread Bars?
The key to soft bars is mixing and baking right. Avoid overmixing once you add the flour — stir just until combined to prevent toughness.
- Use softened butter and beat it well with sugar to trap air and make the bars lighter.
- Molasses plus brown sugar keeps the bars moist and gives great flavor.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes; start checking at 30 minutes. A toothpick with a few moist crumbs means the bars are perfectly done.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting, so the cream cheese topping doesn’t melt.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan – perfect size for even cooking and easy slicing into bars.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll want one for dry ingredients and one for wet to keep mixing neat and simple.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements to get the spices and other ingredients just right.
- Spatula – great for folding in dry ingredients gently without overmixing.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your bars cool evenly and helps the frosting set nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for extra zing and chewy texture that pairs well with the spices.
- Mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Swap cream cheese frosting for whipped maple glaze to add a sweet, autumn twist.
- Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a subtle chocolate surprise in every bite.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 30-35 minutes to bake, plus extra time to cool and frost — total around 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan to stop the bars from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This makes sure the spices spread evenly through the bars.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this helps keep the texture soft.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg until combined. Then stir in the molasses, hot water, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently and just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the Bars:
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the frosting hold up nicely.
8. Make the Frosting:
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy and spreadable.
9. Frost and Finish:
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top if you like.
10. Serve:
Cut into squares and enjoy this delicious, warm-spiced treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy anytime snacking.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Gingerbread Bars?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure it creams properly with the sugar. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it quickly by microwaving in short bursts, checking every 10 seconds.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance, keep them covered at room temperature, and add the frosting just before serving for the freshest taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Skip the Frosting or Use a Different Topping?
Yes, the bars are delicious on their own without frosting. Alternatively, try a simple vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar if you want something lighter.