If you are craving a holiday dessert that is irresistibly warm, cozy, and bursting with festive spice, look no further than these Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting. These bars capture the essence of traditional gingerbread cookies but come to you in an easy-to-make, fudgy, and chewy bar form that’s topped with a luscious vanilla frosting. Ideal for sharing at Christmas gatherings or cozying up with a cup of tea on a chilly evening, this vegan treat balances sweet molasses, fragrant spices, and creamy frosting perfectly. Trust me, once you try these bars, they will become your go-to festive indulgence year after year!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting is wonderfully simple because each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the fluffy flax egg binding everything together to the fragrant spices that make every bite festive, this list will get you ready for a baking adventure full of smiles.
- Flax egg: A vegan egg substitute made with ground flaxseed and water to provide structure without any animal products.
- Vegan butter: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for that soft and chewy texture.
- Brown sugar: Brings sweetness along with subtle caramel notes for depth of flavor.
- Molasses: The soul of gingerbread, delivering bold, warm sweetness and that signature dark color.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the cookie bars and frosting with sweet, aromatic undertones.
- All-purpose flour: The base that builds the chewy but tender structure; swap for gluten-free if needed.
- Ground cinnamon: Classic warming spice that gives gingerbread its inviting aroma.
- Ground ginger: Adds a spicy kick essential to true gingerbread flavor.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Help the bars rise just enough to stay tender and light.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- Ground cloves and nutmeg: Add depth and complexity for an authentic holiday spice blend.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the vanilla frosting silky smooth and sweet.
- Plant-based milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to perfectly spreadable creaminess.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting
Step 1: Create the Flax Egg
Start by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so it thickens up, acting like an egg in this vegan recipe. This simple step provides the perfect binding agent to hold your bars together with a lovely chew.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
While your flax egg is setting, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper to ensure your gingerbread bars don’t stick and come out perfectly intact. This also helps with easy cleanup, always a plus!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about two minutes. This creaming process is key to incorporating air for a soft texture. Next, add the flax egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it forms a smooth, rich batter bursting with warm color and scents.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Mix
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cloves, and nutmeg. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those bars tender and chewy rather than dense.
Step 5: Bake the Gingerbread Bars
Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface. Pop it into the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes. The bars will slightly puff up during baking, but don’t worry—they will flatten out as they cool. Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting, so your bars hold their shape beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Frosting
For the frosting, beat vegan butter in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. Add plant-based milk a tablespoon at a time to achieve a spreadable consistency that is just right—neither too runny nor too stiff.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top. You can keep it classic or sprinkle a little cinnamon or festive holiday sprinkles on top for that extra joyful touch. Slice into generous squares and get ready for a delightful bite that’s soft, chewy, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a wonderful way to personalize your Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting. Try dusting the tops lightly with ground cinnamon or nutmeg, or sprinkle crushed candied ginger or festive colored sprinkles for holiday cheer. A few chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch that contrasts the chewy base beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with warm beverages like mulled cider, peppermint tea, or a creamy cup of oat milk hot chocolate. They also complement fresh fruit salad or a simple vegan vanilla ice cream, elevating your dessert experience with contrasting textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the bars on a decorative platter lined with evergreen sprigs or cinnamon sticks for a natural seasonal look. You can also cut them into festive shapes with cookie cutters or layer them in clear jars with frosting to create delightful gifts or party favors. The versatility of these bars means presentation is only limited by your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to keep the frosting firmer, which also extends their freshness to nearly a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Wrap each frosted bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and let reach room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked softness, warm your bars briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating so the frosting doesn’t melt into a gooey mess, but a little gentle warming will make these bars taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder. This swap keeps the bars soft and chewy without compromising the flavor.
What can I use instead of molasses?
Molasses gives the bars their signature deep, rich flavor, but if you don’t have any, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can work in a pinch. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the taste and color, but the bars will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to use vegan butter?
Vegan butter provides the ideal flavor and creamy texture for the bars and frosting, but you could substitute coconut oil or another plant-based fat. Just be aware that coconut oil may impart a subtle flavor and shift the texture slightly.
How do I make sure the bars stay chewy?
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; gentle mixing preserves tenderness. Also, avoid overbaking by checking the bars at 16 minutes—overbaking will make them dry rather than soft and chewy.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to restore its spreadable consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a dessert that feels like a warm hug, and these Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting deliver that in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday crowd or simply want a comforting sweet treat, this recipe promises simplicity, delight, and that perfect nostalgic flavor we all crave. Give these bars a try—you might just find your new favorite festive tradition!
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Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Bars with Frosting are fudgy, chewy, and packed with classic holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Sweetened naturally with brown sugar and molasses, they have all the festive flavor of traditional gingerbread cookies but in an easy-to-make bar form. Topped with a creamy vegan vanilla frosting, these bars are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy winter treats. They’re entirely vegan and dairy-free, making them inclusive for various dietary preferences while still delivering rich, comforting sweetness.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Vanilla Frosting
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1 + 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp plant-based milk, as needed
Instructions
- Create Flax Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to thicken and gel, which acts as the vegan egg substitute.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup vegan butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the prepared flax egg, 1/4 cup molasses, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir together gently until the flour is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain softness.
- Bake the Bars: Transfer the batter evenly into the lined baking dish. Spread it out to create a smooth, even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish; they will deflate slightly as they cool.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat 1/4 cup vegan butter with an electric mixer until soft and creamy. Slowly incorporate 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating continuously. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of plant-based milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon or holiday-themed sprinkles. Slice into 16 bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Store the frosted gingerbread bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These bars can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- If desired, use gluten-free flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Add extra spices like cardamom or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
- For a thicker frosting, reduce the plant-based milk.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
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