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Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for Cozy Holidays

Delicious Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings and a delightful change from traditional cookies.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 17 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gingerbread Bars
  • 1/2 cup Butter softened; substitute with margarine for dairy-free.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness to the bars.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar packed; offers depth of flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients together.
  • 3/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Molasses Essential for the classic gingerbread taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
  • 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves Complements the ginger and cinnamon.
  • 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg Adds aromatic qualities.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger Crucial for that authentic flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Essential leavening agent.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese softened; lower fat substitute can be used.
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients, then mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 20-22 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
  6. Allow the pan to cool completely in the oven to prevent crumbling.
  7. Prepare frosting by whipping together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. Once cooled, frost the bars and cut into squares before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Store unfrosted bars at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frost just before serving for best texture.

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