Gingerbread Bars with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Jordan Warren
Dec 5, 2024
3 min read

The Perfect Holiday Treat

You could make gingerbread cookies, sure. OR you could make these show stopping gingerbread bars. With their perfect blend of warm spices, a moist and chewy texture, and a thick layer of creamy frosting, they're destined to become a family favorite. Whether you're baking for a party or just treating yourself (because we all deserve it!), this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday baking game. The best part? No cookie cutters needed!

So much to love about this recipe!

Fudgy Texture: These bars are soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, with a dense and chewy bite.
Festive and Easy: No rolling or cutting required like traditional gingerbread cookies. Just bake, frost, and slice.
Versatile: Perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or a cozy night at home with a cup of cocoa or tea.

Tips for Success

Measure Molasses Accurately: To avoid sticking, lightly grease your measuring cup before pouring the molasses. Alternatively, I have provided weight measurements, which is my favorite way to bake for consistency and accuracy. If you have a kitchen scale, using it is always best!
Don't Overbake: Keep and eye on the baking time to ensure the bars stay moist and fudgy. Unlike cake recipes, we do not want a clean toothpick test for this one. The middle will set as it cools, and overbaking takes away that chewy, fudgy center.
Cool Before Frosting: Never frost warm baked goods. If the bars are slightly warm, the frosting may melt. Allow them to cool completely before spreading the frosting.

Frosted Gingerbread Bars Recipe

Yield: 9 bars

Serving size: 1 bar

Ingredients:

For the base

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg (~50g)
1/3 cup (80ml) molasses
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup (220g) all purpose flour
1 tsp (5g) baking soda
1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
1 tsp (2g) ground ginger
1/2 tsp (1g) ground cloves
1/4 tsp (1g) ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp (1g) salt

For the Frosting

4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
1 tsp (5g) vanilla bean paste
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk (optional for consistency)
Festive sprinkles (optional for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. (Parchment works best for removing bars from pan after baking.)
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a stand or hand mixer until fluffy.
Add the egg, molasses, vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not clean, to keep them fudgy).
Let bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Add milk 1 tbsp at a time if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. (You want the frosting thick, but spreadable. This helps it stay on the bars without being too runny and sliding off.)
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars. Top with festive sprinkles, if using. Cut the bars into 9 even squares and enjoy!

**PRO TIP: Pop the frosted bars into the freezer for about 10 minutes to set the frosting and make the bars easier to cut. Use a knife that has been under hot water and wiped dry to cut the bars for clean cuts. Wipe knife between cuts to prevent crumbs and achieve a clean, uniform cut bar. Do not freezer more than 10 minutes, as you do not want the bars to freeze solid. You just want the frosting to set and not be as soft.

How to store your bars:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Information per bar:

Calories: 497

Fat: 20g

Carbs: 76g

Protein: 5g

Weight Watchers Points:

Approximately 29 points per bar

Nutrition information and WW points are always approximate.

Use your recipe builder for the specific brands used for a more accurate count.