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Gingerbread Bars

Gingerbread Bars
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Gingerbread Bars are a quick and easy holiday treat combining warm spices, molasses, and a chewy, soft texture. Perfectly balanced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these bars boast a tender crumb and rich flavor that melts in your mouth. Ideal for gifting or enjoying with family, they offer a cozy and festive dessert experience suitable for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup molasses (use unsulfured for best flavor)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure neat slices.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to evenly distribute spices and leavening.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light, about 2-3 minutes, creating a tender crumb and rich flavor base.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy, adding moisture and depth of flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep bars soft and chewy.
  6. Bake and Cool: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Use real, unsulfured molasses for superior flavor and color.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
  • Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes to prevent drying out.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter.
  • Allow bars to cool fully for clean, easy slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gingerbread Bars, holiday dessert, chewy gingerbread, molasses bars, spiced bars, Christmas treat, easy holiday baking

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/gingerbread-bars/