Description
Gingerbread Bars are a cozy, easy-to-make treat blending rich molasses, warm spices, and a soft cakey texture for a comforting and flavorful holiday snack. Perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or enjoying anytime you crave a festive, tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan version)
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar glaze (made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or lemon juice)
- Cream cheese frosting
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Grease or line a square baking pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour (or gluten-free flour), baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to evenly distribute the spices and ensure a consistent texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and light, creating an airy base for softness.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition to combine all flavors evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the batter light and tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Add Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before drizzling with powdered sugar glaze or topping with your preferred frosting or nuts.
Notes
- Use fresh ground spices for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid dense or tough bars.
- Start checking doneness around 22 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smooth mixing and even baking.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumble and keep glaze intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: gingerbread bars, holiday dessert, spiced bars, molasses bars, gingerbread, gluten-free gingerbread, festive snack
