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Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Chewy Gingerbread Bars: A Cozy Holiday Treat to Savor

Chewy Gingerbread Bars are thick, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays, offering a delightful twist on classic gingerbread cookies.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 3/4 C Butter Adds richness and moisture; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 C Sugar Provides sweetness and structure; can be replaced with brown sugar for extra depth in flavor.
  • 1/4 C Molasses Imparts warmth and traditional gingerbread flavor; honey can work in a pinch, albeit with a different taste.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder and adds moisture; use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
  • 2 C Flour Forms the structure; gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 t Baking Soda A leavening agent to help the bars rise; no substitute needed.
  • 1 t Cinnamon A spice blend for classic gingerbread flavor.
  • 1/2 t Ginger A spice blend for classic gingerbread flavor.
  • 1/2 t Cloves A spice blend for classic gingerbread flavor.
  • 1/2 t Salt A spice blend for classic gingerbread flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese Adds richness and tanginess; consider non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan option.
  • 2 T Butter Provides creaminess; substitute with a non-dairy butter alternative.
  • 2 C Powdered Sugar Sweetens the frosting; use less for a lighter sweetness.
  • 1 T Milk Helps achieve the desired consistency; any milk alternative can be used if needed.
  • 1/2 t Vanilla Enhances flavor; optional but recommended for added depth.
  • Dash Salt Balances sweetness.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Pan
  • Spatula
  • whisk
  • Oven

Method
 

Directions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, melt ¾ cup of butter and let it cool slightly. Add 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of molasses to the bowl, then beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
  2. Crack one egg into the mixture and blend it until fully incorporated. Mix for about another minute until everything comes together seamlessly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ginger, ½ teaspoon of cloves, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
  4. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon to fold them together. Aim to combine until you no longer see dry flour.
  5. Take a 9x9-inch baking pan and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bars for 15-20 minutes. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
  7. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes to an hour.
  8. While the bars cool, make the cream cheese frosting by beating together 4 ounces of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and a dash of salt.
  9. Once the Chewy Gingerbread Bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
  10. For the best results, refrigerate the frosted bars for at least one hour before cutting them into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. These flavors develop over time, making each bite even better!. For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

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