Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of gingerbread! These Gingerbread Bars are the perfect treat for those chilly winter days or anytime you’re craving a spicy-sweet dessert. They’re incredibly easy to make and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates that classic gingerbread taste we all adore.
Perfect Texture: These bars are soft, moist, and have just the right amount of chewiness.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family dessert, these bars are sure to impress.
Make-Ahead Friendly: They’re great for preparing in advance, making your life easier during busy times.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The base of our bars, providing structure.
Cornstarch: Our secret weapon for extra tenderness.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise and achieve that perfect texture.
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg – the heart and soul of gingerbread flavor.
Brown sugar: For moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Balances the molasses and provides sweetness.
Molasses: The key to that classic gingerbread taste and color.
Eggs: Binds everything together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.

For the frosting:

Cream cheese: The star of our creamy topping.
Butter: Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth to the frosting.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Fold in some chocolate chips for a delightful surprise.
Frosting Alternatives: Try a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar instead of the cream cheese frosting.
Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your liking – add more ginger for extra zing or dial it back for a milder flavor.

How to Make Gingerbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and all those wonderful spices.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, melted butter, granulated sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until well combined.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 30-32 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to pull away from the pan and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the bars cool completely before frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread this heavenly mixture over your cooled bars.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off.
Don’t overbake! The bars will continue to set as they cool.
For clean cuts, chill the frosted bars before slicing.

How to Serve

These bars are delicious on their own, but why stop there? Try serving them with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of whipped cream
A sprinkle of crushed gingersnap cookies on top
A warm mug of spiced apple cider or hot cocoa

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

How can I tell if my gingerbread bars are done?
The edges should be slightly darker and starting to pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the granulated sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. However, the molasses is crucial for that classic gingerbread flavor, so I wouldn’t recommend reducing it.

My cream cheese frosting is too runny. What should I do?
If your frosting is too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up. You can also add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

These Gingerbread Bars are a delightful twist on the classic holiday cookie. With their soft, spicy-sweet flavor and creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked gingerbread!