Description
Spiced gingerbread bars bring winter warmth with their rich molasses depth and comforting blend of classic holiday flavors. Homemade goodness invites sweet memories and delights waiting to be shared with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Extras:
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl, then set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, blend melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture on low speed, then increase to medium speed for one minute to create a smooth, consistent dough.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bars develop a deeper color and a toothpick inserted reveals a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack, allowing the bars to cool completely before adding any frosting.
Notes
- Adjust the spice blend by increasing or decreasing ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to match personal taste preferences and create a customized flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
- Use room temperature egg and butter to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent incorporation of ingredients, resulting in a more uniform and tender bar texture.
- Prevent over-baking by checking the bars a few minutes earlier and looking for slight moisture in the center, which helps maintain the signature chewy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 247
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 156 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg