Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
280g
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
softened to room temperature, 170g
- 1 cup light brown sugar
200g
- 3 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
sifted, 120g
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
, or more as needed
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for lifting the bars out of the pan after baking.
- 2
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 3
In a mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, and beat until combined. Add flour mixture and mix just until combined.
- 4
Spread dough evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the top is slightly firm to touch, and a toothpick inserted into centre comes out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. Overbaking will make the bars dry. Allow to cool completely in pan.
- 5
To make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Add more milk as necessary until you get a thick yet pourable consistency. Drizzle over the bars using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow glaze to set, 15-30 minutes. For easy cutting, you can place it in the fridge for 2 hours until firm. Lift out of the pan and cut into squares. Serve at room temperature.
- 6
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Gingerbread Bars
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About this Recipe
Craving a classic holiday treat that's both comforting and incredibly easy to make? These gingerbread bars are your new go-to, delivering all the warm spice and festive cheer you desire, perfect for spreading joy this season.
What sets these gingerbread bars apart is their perfectly moist, fudgy texture, achieved through a thoughtful balance of ingredients like softened unsalted butter and unsulphured molasses. This unique combination ensures they remain tender and rich, far from dry or crumbly. The simple, sweet glaze adds just the right finish, making them absolutely irresistible without any fuss, truly a standout among holiday desserts.
You can expect a delightful harmony of warm, comforting spices in every bite, with the prominent notes of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and a hint of ground nutmeg creating that signature gingerbread flavor. The texture is absolutely key here – wonderfully moist and satisfyingly fudgy, a delightful contrast to traditional crisp cookies. Topped with a smooth, sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, these bars offer a balanced sweetness that’s ideal for festive indulgence. They are remarkably easy to prepare, promising a satisfying baking experience with delicious results.
These gingerbread bars are quite adaptable. If you prefer a bolder kick, feel free to slightly increase the amount of ground ginger. For those who love a more pronounced warmth, a little extra ground cinnamon can be added. The consistency of the simple glaze can also be adjusted by carefully adding more or less milk until it reaches your desired thickness.
These wonderfully-spiced gingerbread bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, a cozy dessert enjoyed with a cup of tea, or as a thoughtful, homemade gift. Serve them simply on a platter to let their inviting aroma and beautiful glaze welcome everyone.