Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- These festive gingerbread bars combine warm spices with tangy cream cheese frosting for the perfect holiday treat.
- Soft, cake-like bars with the perfect balance of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon topped with creamy frosting.
- Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and gifting.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Salad & Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped
- Optional: Holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low just until combined.
- If using, fold in chopped crystallized ginger.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1-2 hours.
- For frosting, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until completely smooth.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled gingerbread.
- Optional: Add holiday sprinkles or decorations.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting for cleaner cuts.
- Cut into 16-20 squares using the parchment overhang to lift from pan.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh spices – ground spices lose potency after 6-9 months.
- Room temperature ingredients will create the smoothest texture.
- Store frosted bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 35
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