Gingerbread Bars
Gingerbread Bars are those soft, spiced squares that bring all the warm holiday feelings with every bite. Packed with ginger, cinnamon, and just the right hint of molasses, these bars…
Tip: save now, read later.
Gingerbread Bars are those soft, spiced squares that bring all the warm holiday feelings with every bite. Packed with ginger, cinnamon, and just the right hint of molasses, these bars are sweet and cozy without being too heavy. They have a perfect balance of chewy and tender, making them irresistible any time of the day.
I love making these bars when the weather turns chilly because their spicy scent fills the kitchen and makes everything feel festive. What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is—no fancy steps, just a quick mix and a bit of baking. I sometimes like to add a little cream cheese frosting on top for a tangy touch, but they’re amazing just as they are, too.
Whenever I bring these bars to a gathering, they disappear fast! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether at a holiday party or as a cozy treat with a cup of tea or coffee. I find they’re a wonderful way to celebrate the season with a classic taste that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Molasses: This gives gingerbread bars their deep, rich flavor and moisture. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute half with dark corn syrup or honey, but the flavor will be lighter.
Spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg): These create the classic gingerbread taste. Ground ginger is the star, but you can add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a little twist.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adds moisture and makes the bars tender. If you prefer dairy-free, try a coconut yogurt or applesauce, though texture might vary slightly.
Butter: Melted butter brings richness. You could swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free or vegan version.
Frosting & Toppings: Simple powdered sugar glaze keeps it sweet without overpowering. Crushed candy canes add a fun crunch and festive touch.
How Do You Know When Gingerbread Bars Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking time is key to getting soft bars with a chewy center, not dry. Here are some tips:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and use a light-colored baking pan so bars don’t overbrown.
- Check baking time starting at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center— a few moist crumbs are perfect. If it’s wet batter, bake a bit longer.
- Don’t overbake! Bars firm up as they cool, so slightly underbaked is fine.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan before adding frosting so it stays smooth and doesn’t melt.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy cutting into bars.
- Mixing bowls – one large for wet ingredients, one for dry to keep things tidy.
- Whisk – helps mix the batter smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula – great for folding in sour cream and scraping the batter into the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – key for accurate spice and liquid amounts.
- Wire cooling rack – lets the bars cool evenly and prevents sogginess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for extra zing and texture.
- Mix in 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and warmth.
- Swap half the molasses for maple syrup for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Top with a cream cheese frosting instead of powdered sugar glaze for tanginess and richness.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 1 cup (240 ml) molasses
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Frosting and Topping:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Crushed mini candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely, which may take an additional 30 minutes before frosting. Overall, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish, including frosting and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and combined.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients & Combine:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, stirring gently to combine. Then fold in the sour cream or yogurt; this adds moisture and tenderness to the bars.
3. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (it’s okay if a few moist crumbs stick). Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool fully on a wire rack.
4. Make Frosting & Finish:
While the bars cool, whisk the powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. Add liquids a little at a time to reach the right consistency. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then sprinkle crushed mini candy canes and a dash of cinnamon on top for a festive touch.
5. Serving and Storage:
Cut the gingerbread into squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I Use Frozen Yogurt or Sour Cream for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen yogurt or sour cream, but make sure it’s fully thawed and at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly without clumps.
Can I Make Gingerbread Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and keep them covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Add the frosting just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For best flavor and texture, bring refrigerated bars to room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Substitute the Frosting with Something Else?
Definitely! Cream cheese frosting makes a delicious alternative if you want a tangier, richer topping. You can also skip frosting altogether and dust the bars with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
