When the holiday season rolls around, the rich aromas of spices like cinnamon and ginger become synonymous with warmth and comfort. One delightful way to experience these flavors is through the irresistible charm of gingerbread bars. These sweet treats are not only easy to make but also capture the essence of the season in every delicious bite.
Why We Love This Gingerbread Bars Recipe
There’s something truly nostalgic about gingerbread bars. They bring back memories of family gatherings, cozy homes filled with laughter, and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones. What we love most about this gingerbread bars recipe is its heartwarming combination of flavors and textures that evoke all the cozy feelings of the season.
The blend of spices—cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—works harmoniously with the molasses and sugars, creating an amazing depth of flavor. You’ll find that the addition of a luscious cream cheese frosting enhances these flavors perfectly, giving your gingerbread bars a rich and creamy finish that balances the spiciness beautifully.
Another reason to fall in love with this recipe is its versatility. These gingerbread bars can be enjoyed in numerous ways—whether you prefer them plain, topped with frosting, or adorned with additional decorations like nuts or sprinkles. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Bars
To create these delectable gingerbread bars, you will need the following simple ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional, for frosting)
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to start baking!
How to Make Gingerbread Bars
Making gingerbread bars is a straightforward process, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. Follow these easy steps to create your tasty treat:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius). Prepare a 9×13 baking pan by lining it with foil, allowing some extra foil to overhang the edges. This will help you lift the bars out easily after baking. A light spray of cooking spray on the foil will help prevent sticking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix them until they are well combined and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flavoring: Once the mixture is ready, add in the vanilla extract and molasses. Continue to beat the mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- Incorporate the Egg: Crack the egg into the bowl, and beat it with the wet ingredients until it is thoroughly mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are evenly distributed for the best flavor throughout the bars.
- Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir to combine everything well, but be careful not to over-mix—your batter will be thick.
- Transfer to the Pan: Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to press it down evenly into the corners.
- Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven, and let it bake for 15-20 minutes. The bars may appear slightly undercooked but will firm up as they cool, so do not worry if they seem a bit soft when you take them out.
- Cool and Frost: Once completely cooled, it’s time to prepare the frosting.
For the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer. Beat them together until they’re light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until it is fully combined.
- Finally, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is airy and smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled gingerbread bars using a spatula. If desired, sprinkle some nuts or decorative sprinkles on top for added flair.
How to Serve Gingerbread Bars
Once your gingerbread bars are beautifully frosted and ready to serve, there are numerous delightful ways to enjoy them:
- Directly from the Pan: For casual gatherings or family nights, you might find it easy to cut the bars into squares right in the baking dish. Just peel back the foil and cut away!
- On a Platter: Impress your guests by transferring the bars to a decorative platter. You can arrange the bars in neat rows and garnish with decorative seasonal elements, such as holly leaves or edible glitter, for a festive touch.
- With a Hot Beverage: Pair your gingerbread bars with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The spices in the bars complement these beverages beautifully, making for a warm and inviting treat.
- Creative Toppings: Consider serving your gingerbread bars with additional toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts. Feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different accompaniments!
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Bars
For those who want to ensure their gingerbread bars come out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Check Your Ingredients: Ensure you are using fresh spices, as their potency can fade over time. Freshly ground spices yield the best flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing, allow your butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature before starting.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This will ensure the frosting doesn’t melt and will maintain its lovely texture.
- Chill for Better Cut: If you find it difficult to cut your bars neatly, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before cutting. This will firm them up and make slicing easier.
How to Store Gingerbread Bars
To maintain the freshness of your gingerbread bars, consider these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store your gingerbread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to make them ahead, gingerbread bars freeze beautifully. Place the bars in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can remain frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Make sure your container is airtight to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the bars.
Variations of Gingerbread Bars
Here are a few creative twists you can try if you want to switch things up:
- Chocolate Gingerbread Bars: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a delicious chocolate twist. You might want to reduce the amount of flour slightly to maintain the right consistency.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to give your bars a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Enhance the flavor profile by adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates. These can add a sweet, chewy contrast to the spiced batter.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Substitute some of the flour for pumpkin puree, and adjust the spices accordingly to create an autumn-inspired twist on classic gingerbread.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gingerbread Bars
What’s the difference between gingerbread bars and gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread bars typically have a more cake-like texture and are baked in a pan, whereas gingerbread cookies are usually rolled out and cut into various shapes before baking.
Can I make gingerbread bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for the best results.
How can I make my gingerbread bars less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly and balance the flavors with an increase in spices to maintain flavor without the sweetness.
Can I leave out the cream cheese frosting?
Of course! You can enjoy the gingerbread bars plain, or with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a lighter alternative.
Are gingerbread bars suitable for vegan diets?
They can be made vegan by substituting the butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil, the egg for a flaxseed egg or a commercial egg substitute, and using a vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Bars
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 piece egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional) for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 baking pan by lining it with foil.
- Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla extract and molasses, beating until well incorporated.
- Crack in the egg and mix until thoroughly combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix Everything Together
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined without overmixing.
Transfer to the Pan
- Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly into the corners.
Bake
- Bake the bars for 15-20 minutes, until firm but slightly undercooked.
Cool and Frost
- Once cooled, prepare the frosting by mixing softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
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