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Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, fresh ginger, and rich molasses, these bars are soft, tender, and full of holiday cheer. The buttery sweetness blends perfectly with the brown sugar, and the tangy cream cheese frosting on top adds the ultimate taste. Bits of crystallized ginger give it sparkle and extra warmth, making it the coziest dessert to share.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sun, 08 Jun 2025 12:23:04 GMT
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Chewy Gingerbread Bars | tasteofsavor.com

Bite into these chewy gingerbread bars loaded with cozy spices and topped with smooth cream cheese icing. You'll love how easy they are to whip up for parties or family time. All the classic gingerbread taste, none of the hassle.

INGREDIENTS

  • Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, left out to soften
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • Gingerbread Bars:
    • 2 tablespoons regular (unsulphured) molasses
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar (either kind works)
    • 3/4 cup regular sugar
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (skip if you want)
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 1/4 cups plain flour

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 8:
Spread on a thick layer of frosting once bars are cool. Jazz them up with sprinkles or leave as is.
Step 7:
In a fresh bowl, whip cream cheese together with butter and vanilla till it's silky. Slowly shake in powdered sugar and mix till you get your favorite frosting feel.
Step 6:
Completely cool the bars—no shortcuts here.
Step 5:
Smooth the dough into your lined pan. For a smaller pan, bake about 15-18 minutes. Bigger pan? Give it 20-22 minutes.
Step 4:
Stir in the dry bits just until it all comes together. Stop mixing as soon as it's blended.
Step 3:
Beat the butter and both sugars till they're pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then bring in vanilla and molasses.
Step 2:
Toss together flour, baking soda, all spices, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Step 1:
Crank your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8x8 or 9x13 pan with parchment so bars pop out easy.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • These bars are their softest at room temp.
  • If you pop 'em in a sealed container they'll keep for 5 days on the counter.
  • Stash in the fridge for a denser bite if that's your thing.
  • Wrap up tight and they'll freeze up to three months—just thaw before eating.

Chef Words of Wisdom

  • Let all your frosting stuff warm to room temp for that super creamy finish.
  • Don't forget parchment paper in your pan—makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Mix the batter just enough to blend it. Too much mixing means tough bars, not chewy ones.

VARIATIONS

  • Ditch the cream cheese frosting and drizzle a simple glaze instead.
  • Add sparkly sprinkles or fun toppings if you're feeling festive.
  • Once cooled, have fun cutting them into shapes using cookie cutters.
  • Get in the holiday spirit and color that icing with a drop or two of food dye.

Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Enjoy the warm, spicy notes of these soft gingerbread bars, paired perfectly with a smooth cream cheese frosting for ultimate comfort.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
23 Minutes
Total Time
43 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 ½ cup unsalted butter, brought to room temperature.
02 ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature.
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
04 1 cup granulated sugar.
05 ½ cup packed light brown sugar.
06 1 large egg.
07 ¼ cup molasses.
08 2 teaspoons baking soda.
09 2 ¼ cups plain all-purpose flour.
10 ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
11 ¼ teaspoon salt.
12 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
13 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
14 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
15 3 cups powdered sugar.
16 Optional: Any sprinkles or extra decorating bits you like.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Get a 9x13-inch pan and either grease it a little or lay down parchment paper.

Step 02

Grab a large mixing bowl. Blend the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together. Add the molasses and the egg, and keep mixing until it's smooth. Toss in the vanilla last and stir it in.

Step 03

In a different bowl, mix up the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, cloves, salt, and ginger.

Step 04

Add the dry mix to the wet mix and beat just until it’s all together. Expect thick dough! Spread it evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 05

Bake for about 22-23 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan completely before moving on.

Step 06

In a mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until nice and smooth. Slowly, add the powdered sugar a little at a time, and finally mix in the vanilla.

Step 07

Make sure the bars are cool before frosting! Spread the cream cheese frosting on top evenly, add your sprinkles if you want, and slice them into bars (cut into 24 squares or smaller rectangles, your choice).

Notes

  1. Take the butter and cream cheese out early so they can soften up for easy mixing.
  2. For a breezy cleanup, cover the pan with parchment paper before adding the dough.
  3. Don’t try to frost the bars until they’re totally cool, or the frosting will melt.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13-inch pan.
  • Parchment paper for lining.
  • A big mixing bowl.
  • A stand or hand mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~