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Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Chewy Gingerbread Bars: A Cozy, Festive Delight

These Chewy Gingerbread Bars are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread, perfect for the holidays.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup Butter Provides richness and moisture; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 cup Sugar Adds sweetness and structure; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Molasses Gives the bars their dark color and rich flavor; no substitutes, but honey offers a lighter taste.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder and adds moisture; replace with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
  • 2 cups Flour Essential for structure and body; a gluten-free flour blend works well for gluten-free needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda A crucial leavening agent for a light texture; there are no substitutions.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Offers the necessary spices for flavor; adjust spices to taste or swap with pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Offers the necessary spices for flavor; adjust spices to taste or swap with pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cloves Offers the necessary spices for flavor; adjust spices to taste or swap with pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Provides tanginess to the frosting; use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness and structure; you can reduce the amount for a less sweet frosting.
  • 3 tablespoons Milk Thins the frosting to your desired consistency; almond or oat milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances the depth of flavor in the frosting; no substitutions necessary.

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • hand mixer
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and molasses. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the egg to the bowl and mix until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding together until just incorporated.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly across.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
  9. While the bars cool, make the frosting by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  10. Once cooled, frost the bars evenly with the cream cheese frosting and refrigerate for about 1 hour to set.
  11. Slice the bars into squares and serve on a festive platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.

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