Gingerbread Bars
Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat that bring all the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into one easy-to-eat dessert. These bars are soft and tender with just the…
Tip: save now, cook later.Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat that bring all the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into one easy-to-eat dessert. These bars are soft and tender with just the right amount of spice and sweetness, making them a perfect little bite for the holiday season or any chilly day.
I love making these bars when I want something homemade but quick. The smell of ginger and spices filling the kitchen always makes me feel warm inside, and it’s hard not to sneak a piece before they’ve even cooled down. One of my favorite tricks is to add a simple glaze on top for a little extra sweetness and shine.
These bars are super versatile too! I like to serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning a simple snack into a special dessert. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, gingerbread bars never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Molasses: Molasses adds that deep, rich flavor and moisture to gingerbread bars. If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or honey can work, but the taste will be milder. I recommend not skipping it for the true gingerbread flavor.
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create the warm, classic spice mix. You can try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different twist. Using fresh, high-quality spices really makes a difference here.
Butter & Sugar: Butter gives richness and softness. Brown sugar keeps the bars moist and adds a hint of caramel. For a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil, and substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for this recipe to get the perfect texture. For gluten-free needs, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but be aware the texture might be a little different.
How Can You Get Soft, Moist Gingerbread Bars Every Time?
Getting that tender, moist texture comes down to careful mixing and baking time.
- Mixing: Cream butter and sugar well for lightness. Once you add flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough bars.
- Baking Time: Don’t overbake! Check bars around 20 minutes. Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cooling: Let bars cool completely in the pan to firm up before adding icing. Warm bars will cause the icing to melt and slide off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch square baking pan – perfect size to get thick, even bars.
- Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift bars from the pan without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and one for dry; keeps things organized.
- Hand mixer or whisk – helps blend butter and sugar smoothly and mix the batter well.
- Spatula – great for scraping down the sides and spreading the batter evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped crystallized ginger to the batter for a zesty, chewy surprise inside.
- Mix in 1/2 cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch.
- Swirl cream cheese frosting over the bars instead of plain icing for a tangy twist.
- Swap ground cloves with ground nutmeg for a milder spice note you might prefer.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes baking time. Allow an additional 30 minutes for the bars to cool and the icing to set before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses until everything is combined well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until blended—try not to overmix.
3. Bake the Bars:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. To check, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare and Add the Icing:
While the bars cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the milk or sugar to get the right thickness. When the bars are cool, spread the icing evenly over the top. Add sprinkles on the icing if you’d like.
5. Set and Serve:
Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes before slicing the bars into squares. Enjoy your delicious and cozy gingerbread bars!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Batter?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure smooth mixing and a tender texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until soft but not melted.
Can I Substitute the Molasses?
Yes! If you don’t have molasses, you can use dark corn syrup or honey as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor won’t be as deep and rich. Molasses gives gingerbread its trademark taste, so it’s recommended if possible.
How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate for about a week or freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Can I Skip the Icing?
Absolutely! These gingerbread bars are delicious on their own. The icing adds extra sweetness and festive flair, but if you prefer a simpler treat, just enjoy them plain or dusted with a little powdered sugar.