Gingerbread Bars are everything you want in a warm, spiced treat—soft, a little chewy, and bursting with the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. They’re like little squares of holiday cheer that you can enjoy any time of the year. The texture strikes the perfect balance, not too cakey but just moist enough to satisfy without being heavy.
I love making these bars when the weather starts to turn cooler because they fill the kitchen with the most comforting smells. I usually cut them into thick squares and sometimes add a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top. They’re great for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee, and I’ve noticed they’re a hit with everyone, from kids to grown-ups.
One little tip I’ve picked up is to let the bars cool completely before slicing so they hold together nicely. I also like to wrap any leftovers in foil and keep them at room temperature—this keeps them soft and fresh for the next day. Whether you’re looking for a sweet pick-me-up or a quick dessert, these gingerbread bars are a real treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Molasses: This gives gingerbread its classic deep flavor. If you don’t have molasses, you can use dark corn syrup or maple syrup, but molasses really adds that authentic taste.
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create the cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste—more ginger for a sharper kick, or extra cinnamon for warmth.
Butter: I use unsalted melted butter for a richer taste and better control of salt. For dairy-free options, melted coconut oil is a good swap.
Frosting: A simple buttercream adds sweetness and softness on top. For a lighter touch, try cream cheese frosting or skip it altogether and dust with powdered sugar.
How Do You Make Sure Gingerbread Bars Stay Moist and Not Dry?
The key is not to overbake and to handle the batter gently.
- Preheat your oven fully before baking—this helps even cooking.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness around 25 minutes; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not fully dry.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan so they firm up and don’t crumble when sliced.
Following these steps keeps the bars soft, chewy, and rich with gingerbread flavor every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – the right size for evenly baked bars that hold their shape well.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep things organized.
- Whisk and spatula – a whisk for smooth mixing and a spatula to scrape every bit of batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements keep the spices and rising agents balanced.
- Wire cooling rack – cools the bars evenly and prevents sogginess on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for extra spicy bites that brighten the bars.
- Mix in 1/2 cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty note.
- Swirl in cream cheese before baking for a tangy surprise inside every bar.
- Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce instead of frosting for a rich, buttery finish.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Gingerbread Bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Frosting and Decoration:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Christmas-themed sprinkles (red, green, gold)
- Mini gingerbread cookies with icing (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes mixing the batter and frosting, 25-30 minutes baking time, plus cooling time for about 1 hour before frosting and serving. This makes it a great treat when you have some time to relax and enjoy the festive smells in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and molasses, stirring until everything is combined.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Bake and Cool the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (avoid overbaking). Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Make the Frosting and Decorate:
While the bars cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, until your frosting is smooth and easily spreadable. Stir in the vanilla extract. Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Finish by sprinkling themed sprinkles and placing mini gingerbread cookies on each square for a festive look.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and serve these moist, flavorful gingerbread bars. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy treat anytime you crave festive spice and sweetness!
Can I Substitute Molasses in This Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have molasses, you can use dark corn syrup or even maple syrup, but molasses provides the signature deep, rich flavor that makes gingerbread special.
How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw completely before frosting or serving.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum to help keep the bars tender and hold together well.
Is It Okay to Skip the Frosting?
Definitely! These bars are delicious on their own with plenty of warm spice. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter alternative.
