Indulging in a batch of spiced gingerbread bars is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly day. These bars boast a beautiful balance of sweetness and spice, with warming flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and molasses that elevate your spirits. You get that lovely gooey texture that’s not only inviting but it also fills your kitchen with that intoxicating aroma that speaks of the holidays.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Bars
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Spiced Gingerbread Bars

I still remember the first time I made these bars, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over me as the scent floated through the air. They became an instant family favorite, especially during the festive season. Each bite offers a comforting hug, whether you’re nibbling on them with your morning coffee or serving them up as holiday treats for guests. If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly dessert that pleases both young and old alike, these spiced gingerbread bars are calling your name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 40 minutes, including prep and baking time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and molasses creates a unique flavor that warms your heart.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, perfect for sharing.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a snack, dessert at a party, or a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, they fit any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter, melted: This adds richness and moisture to the bars. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil.
1/2 cup sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the mixture and lends a lovely texture.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Pure vanilla extract brightens the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
1/3 cup molasses: This is essential for that signature gingerbread taste. Dark molasses will give a deeper flavor.
1 egg: This binds the ingredients together, creating a tender crumb. For egg-free, you can use a flaxseed meal substitute.
2 teaspoons baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
2 cups flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a familiar spice note.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Essential for that distinct ginger flavor in gingerbread.
1/4 teaspoon allspice: This spice enhances the overall warmth of the recipe.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a fragrant earthy note that complements the other spices.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Bars

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature for even cooking.

Prepare Baking Pan: Spray a 9″×13″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step is essential to ensure your bars come out easily after baking.

Cream Together Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup molasses. Beat this mixture until creamy and well blended, about 1-2 minutes. A stand mixer is ideal for this, as the batter thickens.

Incorporate Egg: Add 1 egg into the mixture and stir until it’s fully incorporated. This creates the structure we need in our bars.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the dry ingredients — 2 cups 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 — into your wet mixture. Mix until the batter is well combined and thick, resembling cookie dough.

Spread the Dough: Use a silicone spatula or your fingers to spread the sticky dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a rustic feel can be charming too!

Bake Bars: Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for the edges to be golden brown and the center slightly gooey. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!

Cool and Frost (Optional): Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan. If you desire frosting, now is the time! Once cool, cut them into squares and sprinkle with festive Christmas sprinkles if you like.

Storing & Reheating

These spiced gingerbread bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to one week. If you’d like to freeze the bars, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freshen them up after thawing, warm them in the oven at 350°F for around 5-7 minutes until they’re just heated through.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To prevent your bars from becoming too dense, make sure not to overmix after adding the flour.
Let your butter cool slightly before mixing it with sugars to avoid cooking the egg when combined.
For an authentic gingerbread flavor, let the bars sit for a few hours or overnight — if you can resist!
If using gluten-free flour, look for one with a good binding quality for the best results.
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of your favorite spices or even some chopped nuts or chocolate chips.

There’s something so heartwarming about the scent of spiced gingerbread wafting through the house. It’s a reminder of cozy gatherings and festive joy. I encourage you to try making these bars, maybe even adding your personal twist, like a drizzle of icing or a touch of citrus zest. You’ll love how easy they are and how they bring everyone together. Enjoy every buttery, spiced morsel!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make them a day or two ahead of your event, just be sure to store them properly.

What’s the best way to frost them?

If you want to frosted these bars, a simple cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache pairs wonderfully. Just wait until the bars are completely cool before applying any frosting to avoid melting.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Sure! You can substitute coconut sugar or any granulated sweetener in place of the granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, giving it a different sweetness profile.

How do I know when they are done baking?

The best indicators are the edges turning golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs — not wet batter. Be careful not to over bake, as they should retain a gooey center.

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

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Spiced Gingerbread Bars

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 15 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Spiced Gingerbread Bars are packed with warm spices and a sweet, rich flavor. With simple ingredients like butter, molasses, and brown sugar, they make for a perfect treat for any occasion! Enjoy these delightful bars for a quick dessert or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cups 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

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare a 9"×13" baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses. Beat this mixture until it's creamy, approximately 1-2 minutes—consider using a stand mixer for better results, as the batter becomes thick.
Incorporate the egg into the mixture and stir until fully combined.
Gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is well combined; it will resemble cookie dough in thickness.
Spread the thick dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a silicone spatula or your fingers.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The edges should be crispy, while the center remains slightly gooey. Note that baking times can vary based on your oven.
Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting (if desired) and cutting them into squares. You can add festive Christmas sprinkles on top if you wish.

Notes

Use a stand mixer for ease when beating the mixture due to its thickness.
The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.