Description
These Gingerbread Bars are a festive and flavorful treat perfect for the holiday season. With a moist, spiced base infused with ginger and cinnamon, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles, they combine classic holiday flavors into easy-to-make bars that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups shortening
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup molasses
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×15-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Shortening and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl, beat the shortening on low speed. Slowly add the granulated sugar and continue beating until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Eggs and Molasses: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate them fully. Then, mix in the molasses until the mixture is uniform.
- Combine Mixes: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, mixing until fully incorporated and forming the dough.
- Transfer Dough: Pour the dough into the prepared baking pan and gently press it evenly into the pan for a uniform layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 24 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the frosting reaches a silky smooth consistency.
- Frost Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars.
- Decorate and Serve: Sprinkle your choice of sprinkles over the frosting for a festive touch. Slice the bars into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the shortening and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
- If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of ground ginger.
- These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkles to match holiday themes or personal preferences.
- Make sure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
