Spiced Gingerbread Bars
Spiced Gingerbread Bars are the perfect blend of warmth and nostalgia, instantly transporting you to cozy afternoons filled with the scent of holiday baking. These soft, chewy bars boast a delightful spice profile that dances on your palate, with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg coming together in mouth-watering harmony. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings or a simple sweet treat at home. Whether you’re gearing up for a festive soirée or just craving something delightful, these bars offer a satisfying indulgence that every dessert lover can appreciate.
Table of Contents
I first discovered the magic of these bars during a chilly winter day when the urge for something sweet mixed with warm spices compelled me to bake. The aroma of brown sugar and molasses filled my kitchen, wrapping me in comfort and reminding me of memories spent with family during the holidays. These Spiced Gingerbread Bars embody that sentiment—inviting, homely, and utterly delicious. Before you know it, you’ll be sharing these scrumptious treats with friends and family, creating your own cherished memories.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
- Irresistible Flavor: A rich combination of spices creates a flavorful experience that warms your heart.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with festive sprinkles, these bars are a visual treat ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy these as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with your morning coffee.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted for gluten-free enthusiasts by using a suitable flour mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: This adds richness and moisture to your bars. Unsalted butter is best; if using salted, reduce the added salt.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crisp exterior. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce this by a couple of tablespoons.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar contributes to the chewy texture and adds depth of flavor. Light or dark brown sugar works here.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely aroma. Always choose pure vanilla for the best taste.
- 1/3 cup molasses: A vital ingredient, it brings that signature gingerbread taste and moisture. Blackstrap molasses offers a bolder flavor, while unsulfured is milder.
- 1 large egg: This binds the ingredients together and helps the bars rise. Room temperature eggs are ideal for mixing.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: This provides the necessary lift for a soft texture. Be sure it’s fresh for optimal results!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your bars. If you need a gluten-free option, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice is essential for that classic gingerbread flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds the signature zing! Adjust to your preference for spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice: A touch of this spice rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: For warmth and depth, nutmeg complements the other spices perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor. It’s crucial, so don’t skip it!
How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Bars
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare the baking pan: Spray a 9″×13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Beat them together until they become creamy, about 1-2 minutes. A stand mixer is helpful here since the batter thickens.
Incorporate the egg and vanilla: Once smooth, add in the 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir just until combined, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Mix the dry ingredients: Gradually add in the flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix until it’s well combined, creating a thick, cookie dough-like texture.
Spread the dough: Use a silicone spatula or your fingers to spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. It’s thick, so take your time to ensure every corner is filled.
Bake your bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the edges should be golden while the center remains a tad gooey when done.
Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before you frost them, if desired. Once cooled, cut them into squares and sprinkle festive decorations on top for extra cheer.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Spiced Gingerbread Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you prefer a cooler treat, refrigerate them for up to a week; just make sure to use a sealed container to prevent drying out. For longer storage, these bars freeze well—simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, pop them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to refresh their softness. You may notice a slight difference in texture when reheating, but that warm gingerbread flavor will still shine through!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing: When combining your dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the texture light and airy.
- Room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg and butter to room temperature ensures a smoother batter and better incorporation.
- Taste tests: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference—add more ginger for a bolder flavor or a pinch extra of nutmeg for warmth.
- Decoration: If planning to frost your bars, wait until completely cool for the best results. Simple cream cheese frosting works wonders!
- Make-ahead magic: You can prepare the dough a day in advance; just wrap it well and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Enjoy the process of creating these delightful Spiced Gingerbread Bars, whether for a festive celebration, a cozy family night, or just because you deserve a little something special. With such easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can make this recipe work for almost any occasion. Invite your friends and family to join in the excitement of baking, and savor each mouthful together!
Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute the butter for something dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a direct substitute for melted butter in this recipe without losing moisture or flavor.
Can these bars be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
For gluten-free Spiced Gingerbread Bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. The texture will still be delightful!
What’s the best way to store leftover bars?
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay great at room temperature for about 5 days or refrigerated for up to a week!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Spiced Gingerbread Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spiced Gingerbread Bars are a delicious treat featuring warm spices and a thick, chewy texture. With easy preparation and festive flavors, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays or any time you crave a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9"×13" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses. Beat until creamy for about 1-2 minutes. A stand mixer works best due to the thickness of the batter.
- Add the egg and mix until well incorporated.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and stir until the dough is thick and well combined, resembling cookie dough.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan using a silicone spatula or your fingers.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. The edges should be crispy and the center slightly gooey; keep in mind that baking times may vary based on your oven.
- Cool completely before frosting if desired and cutting into squares. Feel free to add Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
For best results, use a stand mixer as the batter will be thick.
You can add frosting after cooling for extra sweetness.
Store the bars in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
