Gingerbread Bars
Gingerbread Bars are sweet, soft, and full of that classic warm ginger and cinnamon flavor you love during the holidays. These bars have a nice chewy texture with a little…
Tip: save now, cook later.Gingerbread Bars are sweet, soft, and full of that classic warm ginger and cinnamon flavor you love during the holidays. These bars have a nice chewy texture with a little bit of molasses richness that makes every bite special. They’re like the perfect cross between a cookie and a cake—easy to grab and go, but still comforting and cozy.
I love making these bars because they come together quickly and fill the house with such a wonderful, spicy aroma. The ginger and spices really bring back memories of baking with family and friends, and I find that the hint of molasses gives them just the right touch of sweetness without being too heavy. Plus, you can mix things up by adding a little drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of chopped nuts if you want a fun twist.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Gingerbread Bars is warm with a simple cup of tea or hot chocolate on a chilly evening. They’re great for holiday parties, afternoon snacks, or just when you need a little pick-me-up with a familiar flavor. I always end up making extra because they disappear quickly—everyone seems to love them as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Molasses: This gives gingerbread its deep, rich flavor. If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or honey can work, but molasses is best for that authentic gingerbread taste.
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg give the bars their warm, seasonal flavor. If you want a simpler mix, use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel taste. You can swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting: This adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweet bars. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze instead.
How Do I Get Moist, Soft Gingerbread Bars Without Dryness?
The key to moist gingerbread bars is not to overbake and to use the right mix of wet ingredients.
- Follow the baking time closely—20 to 25 minutes. Check early with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs should stick but no wet batter.
- Mix the wet ingredients (butter, molasses, sugar, egg) well before adding dry ingredients.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually and stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the texture tough.
- Let the bars cool fully before frosting so the cream cheese topping doesn’t melt.
These tips help keep your bars tender and soft, with that perfect gingerbread bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch square baking pan – perfect size for thick, chewy bars and easy to line with parchment paper.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet and one for dry ingredients helps keep mixing simple and organized.
- Whisk – great for combining wet ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula – ideal for folding in dry ingredients gently and spreading batter evenly in the pan.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – handy for making the cream cheese frosting light and fluffy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for extra zing and chewy texture in the bars.
- Mix in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Swap cream cheese frosting for a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer a lighter topping.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips to the batter for a surprise chocolate twist that pairs well with ginger.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gingerbread Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled gingerbread cookies or cinnamon sugar
- Festive sprinkles (e.g., green holly-leaf shaped sprinkles)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to bake, plus extra time for cooling and frosting—around 40-50 minutes total before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly so your bars won’t stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Then add the egg and mix until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until combined — don’t overmix or the bars could become tough.
5. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick: it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool Completely:
Let the bars cool fully in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 20-30 minutes and is important so the frosting doesn’t melt.
7. Make and Spread the Frosting:
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat again until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled bars.
8. Add Toppings and Serve:
Sprinkle with crumbled gingerbread cookies, cinnamon sugar, or festive sprinkles if you like. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious gingerbread bars!
Can I Use Frozen Molasses?
Yes, molasses can be used straight from the fridge or freezer, but give it a good stir to make sure it’s smooth before measuring. If it’s too thick, warming it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds can help it pour better.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the gingerbread bars a day or two in advance, keep them covered at room temperature, and frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days because of the cream cheese frosting. Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese Frosting?
Definitely! If you prefer, use a simple powdered sugar glaze or a buttercream frosting. For dairy-free options, coconut cream frosting works well too.
