Spiced Gingerbread Bars evoke warmth and nostalgia with every bite. These bars bring together the rich and spiced flavors traditionally found in gingerbread cookies but in a more convenient, cake-like form. Imagine the cozy scent of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen while these bars bake — it’s the perfect remedy for chilly days or festive gatherings.

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 first discovered spiced gingerbread bars during a holiday baking marathon with my friends. It was a fun-filled day filled with laughter and lots of taste-testing. Unlike the typical cookies that require rolling and cutting, this recipe allows you to mix and bake in one go, making it both easy and enjoyable. Whether for a festive get-together or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to be a hit. I can’t wait for you to give this delicious treat a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 40 minutes, including prep and bake time.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices gives a warm, cozy sweetness that melts in your mouth.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Brown sugar and golden edges make these bars look as delightful as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a joyful breakfast treat.
Diet-Friendly Opportunities: Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe accommodating for various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup butter: Melted for richness; you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness; brown sugar can replace it for a deeper flavor.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides moisture and a hint of caramel. Light brown sugar works well here.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla: A splash enhances the overall flavor; use pure vanilla extract for best results.
1/3 cup molasses: Adds a rich, dark sweetness characteristic of gingerbread; for a lighter taste, you can substitute with honey.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together; a flax egg can be used for a vegan version.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Aids in leavening for a light texture; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bars; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth; freshly ground spices will elevate the flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Vital for the traditional gingerbread taste; you can experiment with fresh ginger as well.
1/4 teaspoon allspice: Offers a nuanced flavor profile that complements the main spices; can be omitted if unavailable.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Rounds out the spices with a delightful kick; freshly grated nutmeg enhances freshness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; omit if using salted butter.

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Bars

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 9″x13″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and help them come out cleanly for serving.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/3 cup molasses. Beat these ingredients together until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Using a stand mixer at this stage makes it easier, especially since the batter can thicken.

Incorporate the Egg: Add 1 large egg to the mixture and stir until fully combined. This step adds moisture and helps the bars to rise.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients — 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently mix until the dough is well combined. Expect a thick, cookie-dough-like consistency.

Spread into Pan: Using a silicone spatula (or your fingers), evenly spread the thick dough into the prepared baking pan. This step may require a bit of effort — don’t hesitate to use your hands if necessary!

Bake: Place the filled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for golden edges and a slightly gooey center. If a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go!

Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. This is crucial if you plan to frost them later or want perfect squares.

Frost If Desired: Once cool, consider adding a simple frosting or some powdered sugar for an extra touch. Don’t forget to throw on some festive Christmas sprinkles for a fun appeal!

Storing & Reheating

Store your spiced gingerbread bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, transfer them to the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Be mindful that freezing may alter the texture slightly, but a quick reheat will bring back some of their original moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep the bars tender.
Always use room temperature eggs for better blending.
If your bars seem too dry, consider reducing the bake time or adding a bit of milk.
For a more intense flavor, let the dough rest for an hour in the fridge before baking.
Don’t forget to sift your dry ingredients if they tend to clump, ensuring an even texture.
These bars can also be made ahead of time, making them perfect for holiday gifting!

Indulge in the rich, spiced sweetness of homemade spiced gingerbread bars. With their easy prep and delightful flavors, they’re a crowd-pleaser and perfect for cozy gatherings or to satisfy your sweet tooth. Feel free to experiment with variations or enjoy them just as they are. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). You can also use dairy-free butter and substitute the molasses with agave syrup for a lighter flavor.

What can I add for more flavor?

To amplify the flavor, you could mix in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the batter. A drizzle of caramel or cream cheese frosting on top also elevates the taste.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown while the center remains slightly soft, similar to a cookie. A toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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Spiced Gingerbread Bars

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 15 servings 1x
Category: BROWNIES & BARS
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Spiced Gingerbread Bars are a delightful treat featuring a rich blend of spices and molasses, easy to prepare, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup 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.
Spray a 9"x13" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and molasses. Beat the mixture until creamy for about 1-2 minutes. Use a stand mixer if available, as the batter becomes thick.
Add the egg to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Incorporate the dry ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms, similar to cookie dough.
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan using a silicone spatula or your fingers.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are slightly crispy and center is gooey. Ovens may vary, so adjustments may be necessary.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting (optional) and cutting into squares. Optionally, add Christmas sprinkles.