Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Sweet, Spiced Treat for the Holidays

Looking for a cozy and festive dessert to kick off the holiday season? These Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect balance of warm spices, sweetness, and creamy indulgence. Each bite offers a delightful combination of gingerbread goodness topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving something seasonal, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Bars

These gingerbread bars are a great alternative to traditional cookies. They have all the familiar flavors of gingerbread—molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—but in an easy-to-make, soft and chewy bar form. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a delicious tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm spices of the bars. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and perfect for making ahead of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Gingerbread Bars:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan or glass dish with foil or parchment paper, then lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Gingerbread Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses, whipping the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light brown color.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, flour, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Gingerbread Bars

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Be careful not to overbake them to keep the bars soft and chewy. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the gingerbread bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut the bars into squares and serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later.

Baking Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be baked ahead of time and frosted just before serving. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Spice Level: If you love the flavor of ginger, feel free to add a little extra ground ginger for a more intense spice.
• Decorating Ideas: For a festive touch, top the frosted bars with holiday sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 270 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12-16 bars

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for the holiday season. They’re easy to make, packed with warm spices, and topped with a smooth, sweet frosting. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee at home, these bars are sure to bring a little extra warmth and sweetness to your day.

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