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Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

These gingerbread bars are full of comforting spice blends for the holidays, finished with a creamy cheese topping. Easy to slice into squares and softer than regular cookies, they're perfect for your gatherings!

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:53:31 GMT
A frosted slice of gingerbread cake with red and green decorations on a white plate. Pin it
A frosted slice of gingerbread cake with red and green decorations on a white plate. | chefmelt.com

My homemade gingerbread squares vanished within moments when I served them to my family during our weekend get-together. They're incredibly tender, packed with warming spices, and finished with the smoothest cream cheese topping you'll ever taste. These are my go-to for gatherings since one tray yields 24 portions at under $6 total cost. That's not even 25 cents per square! Way more affordable than store-bought treats and they'll truly knock your socks off with better flavor.

What Makes These Squares Superior To Traditional Gingerbread

Ever noticed how standard gingerbread cookies tend to be firm and snap easily? These squares couldn't be more different. They maintain their softness for several days, and the cream cheese layer on top is so delicious you'll want to scrape every bit from the bowl. My little ones always get excited to help sprinkle decorations. No complicated cutouts or dough rolling required – just combine, dump and cook. It's dramatically simpler than old-school gingerbread.

Putting These Together Is A Breeze

  1. Combine dry ingredients: Toss flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt into a container and mix well.
  2. Prepare wet components: Blend sugars, butter, vanilla and molasses until creamy.
  3. Include egg: Drop in the egg and thoroughly combine.
  4. Mix everything together: Gradually pour dry mixture into wet ingredients until it resembles dense cake batter.
  5. Bake it: Pour into your baking dish and cook at 350 for roughly 20 minutes.
  6. Let it rest: Allow to fully cool before adding frosting.
  7. Add frosting: Whip up cream cheese topping and coat the surface.
  8. Finish off: Add holiday sprinkles then slice into bars.
A close-up of two rectangular pieces of frosted dessert topped with colorful sprinkles on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of two rectangular pieces of frosted dessert topped with colorful sprinkles on a white plate. | chefmelt.com

Making Sure Your Squares Stay Delicious

  • During events: They can stay unrefrigerated for a few hours while your gathering's happening.
  • Storing extras: Place remaining squares in airtight containers in your fridge where they'll stay tasty for 5 days.
  • Longer storage: Wanna keep some for later? Remove the sprinkles, freeze them flat, wrap carefully and place in freezer bags. They'll remain good for several months.

Additional Spiced Treats You'll Adore

  • My grandma's recipe for building gingerbread houses
  • Spicy gingerbread cupcakes topped with cinnamon cream cheese
  • Our favorite gingerbread dip for cookies
  • Gingerbread Oreo balls perfect for gifting
  • Classic gingerbread cookie bars with cream cheese frosting

Fast Solutions To Your Gingerbread Questions

Need to prep ahead? You can definitely make these a day early and keep them cold in the fridge. They'll stay fresh about 5 days.

Thinking about freezing? Go for it, just wrap them securely and they'll last a couple months frozen.

Got extras? Just stick them in a container in the fridge and enjoy them throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I tell if the gingerbread bars are ready to be taken out of the oven?

Once the bars are a darker shade and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they're ready. The middle should feel set but stay soft.

→ Can I prepare these gingerbread bars in advance?

Absolutely! They're fine in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Just bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor.

→ Why does my cream cheese frosting have lumps in it?

It's important to let the cream cheese and butter soften fully before whipping them. Beat them until smooth before adding other ingredients.

→ Is it possible to freeze these bars?

Sure thing! They freeze perfectly for up to 3 months. Use an airtight container and layer them with wax paper so they don't stick together.

→ Can I tweak the spice levels in this recipe?

You can definitely adjust the spices. The mix here gives that classic gingerbread taste, but feel free to increase the ginger or other spices if you prefer a stronger kick.

Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Taste the holiday spirit with these tender gingerbread bars wrapped in creamy cheese frosting. A dessert packed with warm spice flavors!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups plain flour.
02 1 large egg.
03 1/2 teaspoon salt.
04 3/4 cup regular sugar.
05 1/2 cup butter, melted.
06 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed.
07 1/3 cup molasses (mélasse in France).
08 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence.
09 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda in the U.S.).
10 1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground.
11 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder.
12 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, ground.
13 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder.
14 3/4 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.
15 3 tablespoons softened butter.
16 6 ounces soft cream cheese.
17 2 1/4 cups icing sugar (known as powdered sugar).
18 Holiday decorations like sprinkles, optional.

Instructions

Step 01

Position the oven rack in the middle, then set the temperature to 175°C (350°F).

Step 02

Apply non-stick spray to a 23 x 33 cm (9x13 inch) rectangle pan.

Step 03

Stir the flour, soda, spices, and salt until blended.

Step 04

Whip up the butter, molasses, both sugars, and vanilla until it’s airy.

Step 05

Blend the egg into the mix thoroughly.

Step 06

Add the dry mixture into the wet batter and mix until combined.

Step 07

Evenly spread the dough in the prepared pan.

Step 08

Bake for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out without batter.

Step 09

Let the dessert cool completely before moving on.

Step 10

Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter for the frosting.

Step 11

Add powdered sugar and vanilla to the frosting mix, and beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 12

Spread frosting across the cooled bars and garnish with festive sprinkles if desired.

Step 13

Slice into 24 squares and serve up this treat.

Notes

  1. Store leftovers in the fridge, keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
  2. Great for sharing at family gatherings.
  3. Ideal for holiday celebrations.

Tools You'll Need

  • 23 x 33 cm (9x13 inch) baking pan.
  • Mixer for blending ingredients.
  • Several bowls for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products like butter and cream cheese.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Uses wheat flour as an ingredient.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 203
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 1 g