Try the Soft, Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe Today

Warm spices dance through these irresistible gingerbread bars, creating a nostalgic treat that whispers comfort and joy.

Dark molasses and rich brown sugar combine to craft a delectable chewy gingerbread bars recipe that melts in your mouth.

The aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves fills the kitchen with winter’s sweet embrace.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of soft texture and bold, warming flavors.

These bars capture the essence of holiday baking with their deep, complex taste.

Baking these delightful treats transforms an ordinary afternoon into a cozy celebration of seasonal magic.

You’ll want to savor every delicious crumb and share this memorable dessert with loved ones.

Different Takes on Gingerbread Bars

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Bars: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, spicy flavor.
• Vegan Spice Bars: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Gingerbread Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce molasses amount, and use Greek yogurt in the frosting to lower overall sugar content.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate cream cheese and butter for fat content, and create a sugar-free cream cheese frosting using sugar substitute.

FAQs

• What gives these gingerbread bars their chewy texture?

The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses creates a soft, moist environment that helps maintain the chewiness. Creaming the wet ingredients until light and fluffy also contributes to the tender texture.

• Can I make these bars without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use handheld electric beaters or even mix by hand with a whisk and wooden spoon. The key is to ensure your wet ingredients are well combined and your batter is smooth.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a darker top and do the toothpick test. When inserted in the center, the toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will make the bars dry, so watch them carefully around the 15-minute mark.

• Is it necessary to use all those spices?

Yes, the combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates the classic gingerbread flavor. Each spice contributes a unique note that makes these bars taste authentically like gingerbread.

Why Gingerbread Bars Are Always a Win

• Packed with warm, cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars deliver a nostalgic taste that brings everyone together and sparks joy.
• Bake these bars in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
• Dress up these bars with holiday sprinkles or keep them simple, making them versatile for everything from family gatherings to casual weekend treats that everyone will love.

Chewy Gingerbread Bar Ingredient Notes

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the gingerbread bars.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the gingerbread bars.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: These warm spices create the classic gingerbread flavor profile and add depth to the recipe.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a moist texture in the bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bars and contributes to their soft, chewy consistency.
• Molasses: Adds a deep, rich flavor and dark color characteristic of gingerbread.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor to the frosting.

• Holiday Sprinkles: Provides a festive decorative touch to the finished bars.

Baking Steps for Chewy Gingerbread Goodness

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and give your 9×13-inch jelly roll pan a quick spray of non-stick coating to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Salt

Ensure these spices dance together evenly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Vanilla

Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg

Add the egg and mix thoroughly to help bind the dough together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture.

Start at low speed to avoid a flour explosion.

Mix until everything blends seamlessly.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top darkens and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

Until fluffy.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy and smooth.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.

Sprinkle with holiday decorations.

Slice into 24 bars, cleaning the knife between cuts for crisp edges.

Best Tips for Gingerbread Bar Bakers

• Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate quantities, preventing dry or overly wet gingerbread bars that could affect texture and taste.
• Allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing, creating smoother, more evenly blended frosting and dough with better consistency.
• Watch bars closely during final minutes of baking, checking at 15-minute mark to prevent overcooking and maintain chewy, soft texture without becoming dry or crisp.
• Toast ground spices briefly in a dry skillet before adding to recipe to intensify their flavor profile, creating more robust and complex gingerbread taste.
• Let gingerbread bars cool completely and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before applying cream cheese frosting, helping frosting set faster and creating cleaner, more professional-looking edges.

Keeping Gingerbread Bars Fresh and Soft

• Store frosted gingerbread bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep unfrosted bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crisp edge, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Pairing Ideas for Chewy Gingerbread Bars

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Brew a mug of hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and cloves, complementing the gingerbread's rich spice profile and creating a cozy winter beverage experience.
• Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, letting the cool, smooth sweetness balance the warm, spicy gingerbread and create a delightful temperature contrast.
• Match with Mulled Red Wine: Offer a glass of gently warmed red wine blended with orange zest and winter spices, which echoes the deep, complex flavors of the gingerbread and elevates the dessert's warmth.
• Complement with Chai Tea Latte: Prepare a smooth chai tea latte with steamed milk, highlighting the similar warming spices like ginger and cinnamon found in the gingerbread bars, creating a harmonious flavor connection.

Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Gingerbread Bars bring warm holiday spices to life with their irresistible texture and rich molasses depth. Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and comfort that will transport you straight to festive celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Frosting and Topping:

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
• holiday sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves) with salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Using a stand mixer, blend melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and vanilla until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration for proper dough structure.
5. Slowly introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using low-speed mixing to prevent flour dispersion, blending until a uniform dough forms.
6. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly and creating an even surface for consistent baking.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a darker surface and checking doneness with a toothpick that should reveal minimal moist crumbs.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting preparation.
9. Whip softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Spread frosting evenly across the cooled bars, adding holiday sprinkles for decoration.
11. Slice into 24 bars, cleaning the knife between cuts for precise edges.

Notes

• Ensure precise ingredient measurement for consistent texture and flavor development.
• Cream butter and sugars thoroughly to create a light, airy base that promotes chewiness in the bars.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help ingredients blend smoothly and prevent uneven mixing.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain clean, crisp frosting lines.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar structure.
• Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes if using dark-colored baking pans to prevent over-browning.
• Enhance spice depth by toasting ground spices briefly in a dry skillet before adding to dry ingredients.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain optimal moisture and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 223
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 118 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg