Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars: The Perfect Holiday Dessert
As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of warm spices and sweet treats fills the air, and what better way to capture this festive spirit than with a batch of Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars? These bars are a delightful alternative to the traditional gingerbread men, offering the same delicious flavors but with the convenience of a simple, one-bowl recipe. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these scrumptious bars, complete with a creamy cream cheese frosting, and provide you with valuable tips and variations to make your holiday baking even more special.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars are a holiday dessert dream come true. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Full of Warm Spices: The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a warm and inviting aroma that is quintessentially festive.
- One Bowl Recipe: With minimal hassle, you can prepare these bars using just one bowl, making the process quick and easy.
- Easy and Straightforward Instructions: The steps are simple and straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Simple and Common Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making this recipe both convenient and cost-effective.
- Crowd Pleaser: These bars are a hit with both kids and adults, making them an excellent choice for family gatherings or holiday parties.
- Perfectly Spiced: The balance of spices is just right, ensuring that the bars are flavorful but not overpowering.
- Gets the House Smelling Like Christmas: The baking process fills your home with the wonderful aroma of gingerbread, setting the mood for the holiday season.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Bars
- Flour: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter: 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature or melted
- Sugars:
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar (dark brown sugar adds a richer flavor, but light brown sugar works just as well)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Molasses: 2 tablespoons unsulphured or dark molasses (avoid blackstrap molasses for a milder flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
Instructions
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8x8 inch or 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. If necessary, spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bars come out smoothly.
Mixing the Dough
Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt) in a medium bowl. Set this mixture aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and molasses, beating well after each addition.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. It’s crucial to avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can result in dense bars.
Baking
Press the dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is spread evenly. The dough may seem thin, but it will puff up during baking and settle as it cools.
Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending on the pan size:
- For an 8x8 inch pan: 15-18 minutes.
- For a 9x13 inch pan: 20-22 minutes.
The bars are done when the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it but not completely clean.
Cooling
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is important, as the bars will continue to set and become chewier as they cool.
Frosting
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and of the desired consistency. If the frosting is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Assembly
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over them. If desired, decorate with holiday sprinkles, gingerbread men, or other festive toppings.
Tips and Variations
Cutting Shapes
For a more decorative look, use a cookie cutter to cut the cooled bars into festive shapes before frosting.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the bars for a few hours before serving.
Glaze Alternative
Instead of cream cheese frosting, you can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix the powdered sugar, 1-3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and let it set for 15-30 minutes.
Festive Touches
Add a festive touch by mixing red or green food coloring into the frosting. Use festive sprinkles or edible decorations to make the bars even more appealing.
Cost and Time
Prep Time
The preparation time for these bars is approximately 20 minutes, which includes preparing the ingredients and mixing the dough.
Bake Time
The baking time varies depending on the pan size but generally ranges from 15-25 minutes.
Total Time
From start to finish, you can have these delicious bars ready in about 45-50 minutes.
Cost
The ingredients for this recipe are relatively common and should not be overly expensive. You likely already have many of the pantry staples, making this a cost-effective holiday dessert option.
Enjoying Your Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars
Once your bars are baked, cooled, and frosted, it’s time to enjoy them. Here are a few ways to make the most of your delicious creation:
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best texture, serve the bars at room temperature. If you’ve refrigerated them, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Pair with Hot Chocolate or Coffee: The warm spices in these bars pair perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, making them an excellent treat for a cold winter evening.
- Share with Friends and Family: These bars are perfect for sharing. Cut them into squares or shapes and package them in festive containers for a wonderful holiday gift.
Final Thoughts on These Delicious Holiday Treats
These Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars are a holiday dessert that embodies the spirit of the season. With their soft and chewy texture, warm spices, and creamy cream cheese frosting, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
- Convenience: The one-bowl recipe and quick baking time make this an ideal dessert for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciousness: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a flavor profile that is quintessentially festive and delicious.
- Festive Nature: These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be decorated with festive toppings to add to the holiday cheer.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars are a must-try this holiday season. They offer a perfect blend of ease, flavor, and festivity that will make your holiday baking a joy.
Additional Recipes to Try
If you enjoy the flavors of gingerbread, here are a few other recipes you might want to try:
- Gingerbread Cupcakes: Moist gingerbread cupcakes topped with a cream cheese frosting and decorated with festive sprinkles.
- Gingerbread Waffles: Crispy gingerbread waffles served with whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Gingerbread Cookies with Orange Glaze: Soft gingerbread cookies glazed with an orange glaze for a refreshing twist on the classic recipe.
Each of these recipes captures the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread in a unique and delicious way, perfect for adding some variety to your holiday baking. So go ahead, get baking, and fill your home with the wonderful aromas of the holiday season