Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are everything you love about gingerbread but in an easy bar form. They’re soft, chewy, and full of comforting flavors like molasses, cinnamon, and ginger. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of tea, these bars stay moist for days and taste even better as they sit. Plus, they come together in just one bowl—ideal for busy bakers looking to spread holiday cheer with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. The batter will be thick—use a spatula to smooth the top.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. If desired, frost or drizzle with glaze once cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes

Variations

• Frosted Gingerbread Bars: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze for a sweeter, festive touch.
• Spiced Nut Version: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a hint of chocolate that pairs beautifully with molasses.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Spice: Increase the ginger and cinnamon for a bolder flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight at room temperature before serving. To refresh them, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use blackstrap molasses in this recipe?

You can, but it will create a stronger, slightly bitter flavor. Regular unsulphured molasses is recommended for best results.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars actually taste better the next day as the spices develop more flavor overnight.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan, increasing the bake time by 5–10 minutes.

4. What frosting pairs best with these bars?

A classic cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze complements the spices beautifully.

5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should look set and slightly pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

6. Can I make these bars without molasses?

Molasses is key for the signature gingerbread flavor, but you can substitute part of it with dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch.

7. Are these bars supposed to be soft or firm?

They should be soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges—similar to a brownie texture.

8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, though butter provides a richer flavor. Use margarine only if it’s a baking-safe variety.

9. How can I make them more festive?

Top with holiday sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of white chocolate.

10. Can I freeze the dough instead of baking it right away?

Yes, press the dough into the pan, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking as directed.

Conclusion

These Chewy Gingerbread Bars are the perfect way to enjoy all the warmth and nostalgia of gingerbread in a quick, fuss-free treat. Soft, spiced, and irresistibly chewy, they’re ideal for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or cozy nights in. Once you try them, they’ll become a seasonal favorite for years to come.

Chewy Gingerbread Bars

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Soft, chewy, and warmly spiced, these Chewy Gingerbread Bars deliver all the flavor of classic gingerbread cookies in an easy bar form. Perfect for the holidays or any cozy occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting. Frost or drizzle with glaze if desired.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• For a stronger flavor, use blackstrap molasses, but expect a more bitter taste.
• Bars taste even better the next day as the spices develop.
• Add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra spices for variations.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg