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Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Chewy Gingerbread Bars That Will Spice Up Your Holidays

Delight in these Chewy Gingerbread Bars that are perfect for the holiday season, offering warm spices and a creamy frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 3/4 cup Butter, melted Let cool slightly after melting.
  • 1 cup Sugar Swap with brown sugar for deeper flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Molasses Dark molasses enhances taste.
  • 1 Egg Use a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 2 cups Flour All-purpose is ideal, but whole wheat offers a healthier twist.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Can use nutmeg for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ginger Fresh ginger can intensify the flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cloves Try cardamom for variety.
For the Frosting
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened Essential for the frosting.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter, softened Can be replaced with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Sifted helps avoid lumps.
  • 1 tablespoon Milk Non-dairy milk works just as well.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Optional but highly recommended.
  • dash Salt Enhances sweetness in the frosting.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Baking pan
  • Spatula
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine melted butter, sugar, and molasses. Beat until smooth and well-combined.
  2. Incorporate the Egg: Add egg to the mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
  3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves until well blended.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
  5. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and spoon the batter into the pan, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake the Bars: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in the Pan: Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan.
  8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  9. Frost the Cooled Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  10. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing to keep bars tender, check for doneness with a toothpick, cool completely before frosting, and refrigerate before cutting for clean slices.

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