Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a holiday treat that warmly hugs your taste buds, you cannot go wrong with this Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine soft, spicy gingerbread packed with rich molasses flavor, baked to the perfect chewy texture, and topped with a luxuriously smooth cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. These bars are the perfect fusion of comfort and festive flair — ideal for sharing with family, friends, or simply for indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon. Once you try this recipe, it will undoubtedly become a treasured favorite year-round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these gingerbread bars lies in their simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing a crucial role in building that irresistible chewy texture and warm, spiced flavor. From the rich molasses that deepens the taste to the aromatic cinnamon, ginger, and cloves that create the perfect holiday scent, every element counts.

• 3/4 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to keep the bars wonderfully chewy.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
• 1/4 cup molasses: Gives depth, body, and that unmistakable gingerbread flavor.
• 1 egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the bars’ moist texture.
• 2 cups flour: The structure of our bars — just enough to keep them firm but soft.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and maintain chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Classic warmth that defines gingerbread.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger: The star spice giving that spicy-sweet kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves: Adds subtle depth and complexity to the spice profile.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, tangy frosting that complements the spices perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened: Makes the frosting smooth and luscious.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting just right.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Lightens and smooths the frosting consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a lovely aromatic touch to the frosting.
• Dash of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting beautifully.

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients

Start by melting your butter and pouring it into your stand mixer or a large bowl along with the sugar and molasses. Beat everything together until it becomes a smooth and glossy mixture — this is where the richness and deep molasses flavor begin to develop. Next, add the egg and beat until completely smooth, ensuring the base of your gingerbread bars will be perfectly moist.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves. This dry mix combines the essential spices and leavening agent that give your bars their lovely texture and signature warmth. Tossing the spices evenly with the flour ensures that every bite is flavorful and balanced.

Step 3: Bring it All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using your mixer on low speed or a sturdy spatula. Mix just until everything is combined — overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want to keep that perfect chewy texture. The dough will be slightly thick but pliable enough to press into your pan.

Step 4: Bake the Gingerbread Base

Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then press your dough evenly into the pan. Pop the pan into a 350°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking; the bars should be set but still soft in the center. Use a knife to check; when it comes out clean, remove the pan and allow the bars to cool fully — they will continue firming up as they rest.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, whip together the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a dash of salt, beating well after each addition. The frosting should be thick yet spreadable — perfect for creamy, luscious coverage.

Step 6: Frost and Chill

Once the gingerbread bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate the whole pan for at least one hour to let the frosting set and the bars firm up without being too doughy. Once chilled, cut into squares and prepare to enjoy every fantastic bite.

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a bit of finely chopped crystallized ginger or a pinch of ground cinnamon over the frosting just before serving. You can also add a few edible gold stars or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snow-kissed holiday vibe. These simple garnishes instantly elevate your presentation and taste experience.

Side Dishes

These chewy bars pair beautifully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the spice with cool sweetness. These combinations turn your snack into an unforgettable dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe into bite-sized squares and serve them on a holiday-themed platter for easy sharing at parties. You can also layer them in a clear trifle dish with layers of whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies for a stunning dessert centerpiece that showcases every beautiful layer. Gift them wrapped individually with festive ribbons — they make perfect homemade gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your gingerbread bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires cool conditions and the bars stay moist and chewy for up to a week. This means you can savor them throughout the week without sacrifice.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these bars well in advance, you can freeze them either before or after frosting. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars last up to 3 months, making this recipe a great make-ahead option for holiday planning.

Reheating

To enjoy your bars after thawing, simply take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving the frosted bars directly, as it can change the frosting texture. If unfrosted, a quick warm-up in the microwave for 15 seconds can bring back some of that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the molasses in this recipe?

Molasses is essential for that classic gingerbread flavor and its deep richness. While you can try brown sugar or honey, the taste and texture will be different. For the truest chewy gingerbread bars, we recommend using molasses.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem! You can easily mix these bars by hand using a sturdy whisk and spatula. Beat the wet ingredients well until smooth, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. It might take a little extra elbow grease but the results are just as delicious.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet treat, consider reducing the powdered sugar slightly in the frosting or swapping it for a powdered sugar substitute. The bar itself has balanced sweetness, so adjusting the frosting is usually sufficient.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger pan, like a jelly roll pan around 11 1/2 by 16 inches. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye to avoid overbaking. Cool, frost, and refrigerate before cutting into bars.

What makes these bars chewy instead of cakey?

The combination of melted butter, molasses, and precise baking time contributes to that perfect chewy texture. Unlike traditional cakes, these bars are baked in a single layer and are removed at just the right time to stay moist and dense rather than fluffy.

Final Thoughts

This Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a winner that brings festive joy and comforting flavors to your kitchen. From the first bite, the chewy texture and warming spices paired with tangy frosting will have you reaching for seconds — if not thirds! It’s a recipe to tuck into your holiday repertoire or enjoy any time you want a deliciously cozy treat. Trust me, once you try making these bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

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