There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked Spiced Gingerbread Bars wafting through your home, especially as the weather turns chilly. The combination of warm spices, soft chewy texture, and that rich molasses flavor creates an inviting treat that feels both festive and comforting. Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies that can be finicky with their cut-outs and decorations, these bars offer a simple, crowd-pleasing alternative that’s easy to whip up in no time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Bars
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Spiced Gingerbread Bars

I first discovered these bars on a cozy winter evening while flipping through old family recipes. The moment I tasted that first bite, I was transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would bake gingerbread cookies every holiday season. The magical blend of spices and sweet flavors made them a favorite, and now, I can recreate that warm feeling with these easy-to-make bars. You’ll love how delightful they taste and how they quickly disappear from the dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for last-minute cravings!
Irresistible Flavor: A warm embrace of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg dance in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars are not only scrumptious but also fun to decorate, making them a hit for the holidays.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat when paired with coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable for various diets, simply use gluten-free flour or egg substitutes if desired.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup butter, melted: This adds rich flavor and a moist texture to your bars. Make sure to melt it gently to avoid separation.
½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, balancing the spices perfectly. You can swap it with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
½ cup brown sugar: Dark or light works here; it lends a chewy texture and caramel-like sweetness.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
⅓ cup molasses: This is the star, giving those bars their signature deep, rich taste. Look for unsulphured molasses for the best flavor.
1 large egg: Binds the mixture together and helps achieve that soft, chewy texture.
2 teaspoons baking soda: This will help the bars rise perfectly while providing a light texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Warm spice that added depth and wonderful aroma.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: This gives that characteristic ginger flavor you crave in gingerbread.
¼ teaspoon allspice: A warm and aromatic addition that brings a hint of complexity.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Just a pinch for an extra layer of warmth.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Bars

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Generously spray a 9″×13″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent your bars from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅓ cup molasses. Using a stand mixer or a hand whisk, beat the mixture until it’s creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t worry if the batter feels thick; that’s just how it should be!

Incorporate the Egg: Add in 1 large egg and mix until it’s fully incorporated. Here’s where the magic starts happening—your batter will become slightly smoother.

Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the dry ingredients: 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix until the dough is well combined. Remember, it will be thick, quite similar to cookie dough!

Spread the Dough: Use a silicone spatula or your fingers to spread the thick dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. It’s okay if it feels a bit sticky; that’s all part of the charm.

Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary. The edges should be golden brown, while the center remains slightly gooey—just the way we like it!

Cool Before Cutting: Allow the gingerbread bars to cool completely in the pan. If you want to add frosting, now’s the time to do it! You can sprinkle on some Christmas sprinkles for extra festive flair before cutting them into squares.

Storing & Reheating

You can store your Spiced Gingerbread Bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer preservation, refrigerate them for up to two weeks, ensuring they are in a well-sealed container. If you want to enjoy them several months later, freeze the bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer warm bars, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds—the texture will still be wonderful, though they might lose a touch of that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off; too much flour can dry out your bars.
For added depth, let the molasses sit at room temperature for an hour before using; it’ll mix in more smoothly.
To judge when the bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
If you want to enhance the spiciness, feel free to add up to ½ teaspoon more of ground ginger or cinnamon to your batter.
Consider frosting the bars with a light cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweetness!

These bars embody everything you love about gingerbread, all in a luscious, easy-to-make form that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven. Experiment with adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the batter for a unique twist.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely, there are many substitutions you can make! For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free milk alternative. You can swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

How thick should the batter be?

The batter will be quite thick, similar to cookie dough. This density helps create chewy bars with the right texture—no runniness here!

Can I frost these bars?

Yes! These bars are fantastic on their own but can be even more delicious with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze. Add sprinkles for a festive touch during the holidays.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

You’ll know your bars are ready when the edges turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Take care not to overbake them to keep that delightful gooey center!

Try your hand at making these delightful bars and share them with friends and family! You’ll find that they quickly become a cherished recipe in your home, just like they are in mine.