Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
User Reviews
4.9
Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
This recipe for Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combines a spice-infused batter made from ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with molasses and brown sugar, creating a moist, tender texture. The bars bake in a 13x9-inch pan for about 14 to 17 minutes to achieve a cooked-through, soft crumb without drying out. After cooling, they are topped with a cream cheese frosting, blending butter and cream cheese with powdered sugar for a smooth and rich finish.
The spices provide a warm, aromatic flavor that is characteristic of gingerbread, while the molasses adds depth and a subtle sweetness. The bars are softer and denser than traditional gingerbread cookies, making them easy to cut and serve. This recipe is ideal for enjoying with coffee or tea and can be made ahead for gatherings or holiday occasions.
For best results, the frosting can be chilled in intervals while being beaten to achieve a preferred consistency. Once frosted, the bars should be served at room temperature to showcase the tender texture and balanced sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 Tbsp (300g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves ground
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter diced into 1 Tbsp pieces, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unsulphured molasses
- 1 egg large
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter nearly at room temperature (I like to use 1/4 c salted butter 1/4 c unsalted
- 1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese nearly at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups (325g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda and salt for 20 seconds, set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together butter, brown sugar and molasses until combined.
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract. With mixer set on low speed slowly add in flour mixture and mix until combined. Fold batter with a spatula as needed until batter appears to be evenly incorporated.
- Pour dough into prepared baking dish and spread and press into an even layer using your hands.
- Bake in preheated oven until bars have baked through, about 14 - 17 minutes (be careful not to over-bake). Transfer baking dish to a wire rack and let bars cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until light and fluffy*. Spread frosting over cooled bars.
- Cut into squares. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.
Notes
- Freeze the frosting in short bursts, mixing between intervals, to reach a creamy and spreadable texture.
- Be careful not to overbake the bars to keep them moist and tender.
- Use a 13x9-inch baking dish for proper thickness and even baking.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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