Gingerbread Bars are a chewy, spicy treat that bring all the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into one easy-to-make dessert. Imagine a soft, cakey base packed with those classic holiday spices, topped with a sweet glaze or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for that extra festive touch.
I love making Gingerbread Bars because they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially when the weather turns chilly. They’re really simple to bake, and the kitchen fills with the smell of ginger and spices right away, which always makes me feel cozy and ready for the season. Plus, they don’t require any fancy skills, so I can whip them up even on busy days.
My favorite way to enjoy these bars is slightly warmed, with a cup of tea or coffee on the side. They’re great for holiday parties, a sweet snack after school, or just when you want something comforting and nostalgic. If you’re making them for a gathering, I recommend cutting them into small squares so everyone can grab a piece—these bars disappear fast wherever I take them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Molasses: This gives the bars their deep, rich flavor and dark color. If you don’t have molasses, use dark corn syrup or a mix of brown sugar and a little honey, but molasses is the best for true gingerbread taste.
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are must-haves here. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice if you like, but stick to these three for that classic gingerbread profile.
Butter & Brown Sugar: These give sweetness and moisture crucial for that chewy texture. I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level, but salted butter works too. Dark brown sugar adds extra molasses notes, but light brown sugar is fine in a pinch.
Cream Cheese Frosting: This frosting adds a nice creamy contrast to the dense bars. If you want a vegan option, try a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter substitute.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chewy Texture in Gingerbread Bars?
Getting the chewiness right is key for these bars. Here’s what helps me every time:
- Don’t overmix: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
- Bake just right: Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking dries them out and underbaking leaves them too gooey.
- Cool completely: Let them cool fully before frosting. Warm bars can make the frosting melt and slide off.
- Chill after frosting: The fridge helps the frosting set up and keeps the bars firm when you slice.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your pan makes taking out the bars clean and easy without breaking them.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for thick, chewy bars and easy to slice.
- Parchment paper – helps lift bars out of the pan cleanly without sticking.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Spatula – great for spreading batter evenly and smoothing frosting on top.
- Wire cooling rack – lets bars cool evenly so frosting won’t melt.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for an extra spicy zing that pairs well with molasses.
- Mix in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Swap cream cheese frosting for a simple drizzle of lemon glaze to brighten the spices.
- Try adding 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses (blackstrap or regular)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Crumbled gingerbread cookies or graham crackers
- Festive sprinkles
Time You’ll Need
Plan for about 15 minutes to prepare your batter and frosting, 25 to 30 minutes to bake the bars, plus at least 1 hour to chill after frosting. Cooling fully is important for rich flavor and neat slices, so total time is just over 2 hours including chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper with some extra hanging over the edges, and lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
2. Make The Gingerbread Bar Batter
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the molasses until it’s smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. The dough will be thick.
3. Bake The Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick near the center — it should come out mostly clean but may have a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool and Frost
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, make the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
When the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Add optional crumbled gingerbread or sprinkles for a festive touch.
5. Chill and Serve
Place the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the frosting. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your chewy, delicious gingerbread bars!
Can I Use Frozen Butter or Cream Cheese?
It’s best to use softened, room-temperature butter and cream cheese for the frosting so they blend smoothly. If your ingredients are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before using.
Can I Make Gingerbread Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste, or frost and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese Frosting?
If you prefer, try swapping the cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a lemon glaze for a lighter, tangy option. Both complement the spicy gingerbread flavor nicely.