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Irresistibly Soft Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These soft, pillowy gingerbread bars are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. They come together in one bowl with no mixer required and deliver the perfect balance of warm spices and creamy sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth and well combined. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold together gently until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  5. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly using the spatula.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center springs back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Place the pan on a cooling rack and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  8. While the bars cool, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until light, fluffy, and spreadable.
  9. Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Notes

Do not overbake; the center should look slightly underdone when removed. Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting. Spray the measuring cup with non-stick spray before adding molasses for easy release. Chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread bars, cream cheese frosting, soft gingerbread, holiday dessert, one-bowl recipe

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/irresistibly-soft-gingerbread-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/