The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread bars wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm hug of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of sweetness. Each bite is a delightful combination of soft, chewy goodness that transports you to cozy winter evenings filled with laughter and holiday cheer.
As the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like sharing these gingerbread bars with family and friends, creating memories that last long after the last crumb is gone. The anticipation builds as you prepare this delicious treat, promising an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds—or thirds if you’re feeling generous.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These gingerbread bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for holiday baking
- Their rich spices create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and festive
- The golden-brown color and enticing aroma make them visually appealing for any gathering
- Plus, they can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with frosting for special occasions
I remember the first time I made these gingerbread bars. My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, claiming they were better than my famous cookies!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a richer flavor and better texture in your bars.
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Ground Ginger: Freshly ground ginger adds an extra zing; don’t skimp on this essential spice.
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Cinnamon: Opt for Ceylon cinnamon for its superior flavor compared to regular cassia cinnamon.
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Nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way; freshly grated nutmeg elevates the taste significantly.
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Baking Soda: Make sure it’s fresh; this is key for achieving that perfect rise in your bars.
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Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar provides moisture and a deep flavor; light brown works too if you’re in a pinch.
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Molasses: Choose unsulfured molasses for the best taste; it adds richness to your bars’ texture.
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Eggs: Ensure they are at room temperature to achieve the best emulsion when mixing.
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Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness; melt it for added ease when mixing ingredients.
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Pecan Nuts (Optional): Toasted pecans add delightful crunch and enhance the flavors even more.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Get ready to create some delicious gingerbread bars! Follow these simple steps to transform those ingredients into a delightful treat.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This creates a beautifully fragrant base.
Create Your Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix melted butter with brown sugar until creamy. Add molasses and eggs one at a time while mixing well between additions.
Combine Everything Together: Gradually pour your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars!
Add Optional Ingredients: If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into your batter now. This step brings an exciting twist of texture to each bite.
Bake to Perfection!: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—resist the urge to open the oven too soon!
Your kitchen will smell heavenly during baking! Once cooled slightly, slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature—enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- These gingerbread bars are more than just a treat; their cozy spices and chewy texture create a delightful holiday experience
- Baking them fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and ginger, making everyone feel festive
- Perfect for sharing but hard to resist!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish before mixing ingredients. This ensures everything flows smoothly and helps achieve that perfect, chewy texture in your gingerbread bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap molasses for honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. You can also add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to personalize your gingerbread bars even further!
Storing & Reheating
Store your gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that soft, gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best gingerbread bars, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender texture
- Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges and perfect presentation
Baking these gingerbread bars reminds me of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and sticky fingers sneaking bites when no one is looking.
FAQ
Can I freeze gingerbread bars?
Yes, they freeze well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
How long do gingerbread bars last?
They stay fresh for about five days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I add frosting on my gingerbread bars?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with their warm spices.
Gingerbread Bars
Indulge in the warmth of holiday flavors with these irresistible gingerbread bars. Infused with rich spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, each chewy bite is a nostalgic journey to cozy winter evenings. Perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat on chilly nights, these bars are quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup toasted pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar until creamy. Add molasses and eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- If desired, fold in toasted pecans or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
