There is nothing quite like the cozy, warmly spiced flavor of a homemade Ginger-Cream Bars Recipe to brighten up any day or gathering. These bars blend the spicy kick of ground ginger and cinnamon with the smooth richness of a luscious cream cheese topping, creating a treat that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you crave something sweet with a hint of spice or want to impress friends with a deliciously unique dessert, this Ginger-Cream Bars Recipe is ready to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together in this Ginger-Cream Bars Recipe, each playing a key role to build layers of flavor and texture. The balance of spices, sweeteners, and dairy combine to make every bite delightful and unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure and the perfect tender crumb to the bars.
- Ground ginger: Brings that signature warm and slightly peppery zing essential to these bars.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds depth and a sweet earthiness to complement the ginger beautifully.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft, moist texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices’ natural flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Rich and creamy, it tenderizes the bars and seals in moistness.
- Brown sugar: Imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.
- Molasses: Boosts the gingerbread vibe with its robust, slightly bitter-sweet syrup.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients for a cohesive batter that bakes evenly.
- Vanilla extract: Softens the bold spices and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates the rich, tangy cream topping that makes these bars truly decadent.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream layer without any grittiness for a silky finish.
- Heavy cream: Whips into the cream cheese for a light and airy texture.
How to Make Ginger-Cream Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), a perfect temperature to gently bake these bars through without drying them out. Next, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it; this step will make removing your bars a breeze and keep them intact.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients ensures that every square bursts with the distinct, spicy flavors you’re looking for, while the baking soda subtly lifts the batter for a tender crumb.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and completely combined. The molasses here infuses moisture and a classic gingerbread taste that will shine through the bars.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. This step requires gentle folding to create a uniform batter, without over-mixing which could toughen the bars. The result is a batter full of rich spices and sweetness, ready to be baked to perfection.
Step 5: Bake Your Bars
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached. This baking time gives the bars a soft interior that stays nicely moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, allow the ginger bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial before adding the cream cheese topping, so it doesn’t melt and spread unevenly.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream together until silky smooth and fluffy. This topping beautifully contrasts the spiced base with its cool, creamy texture and gentle sweetness.
Step 8: Spread and Chill
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled base. Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes, allowing the topping to set perfectly, making the bars easier to cut and giving their flavors time to mingle.
Step 9: Cut and Serve
Once chilled, slice into 16 bars and serve. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of spices and creamy richness that you and your guests will adore!
How to Serve Ginger-Cream Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make these bars extra special, sprinkle with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or crystallized ginger pieces on top of the cream layer just before serving. A few fresh mint leaves add a lovely color contrast and a fresh aroma that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee to complement their warming spices. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad to add a refreshing tang and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment for a charming gift, or place individual bars in cupcake liners with a drizzle of honey over the top for a bite-sized treat at parties. You can also plate them on a festive dessert board with nuts and dried fruits to elevate your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Ginger-Cream Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this treat even after a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to save bars for later, freeze them by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars last up to 2 months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you like them a little warm, briefly heat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to soften but not melt the cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground ginger with fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger has a more pungent and sharper flavor compared to ground ginger. If substituting, use about one tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger, but expect a slightly different texture and a stronger ginger kick.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with vegan margarine, use a flax egg instead of a real egg, and swap cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese blends.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon for the best texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures a moist, tender texture rather than undercooked gooeyness or dryness.
Can I prepare the cream cheese topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese topping a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Give it a quick whisk before spreading to restore its smooth texture if it thickens too much.
Final Thoughts
These Ginger-Cream Bars Recipe are not just a dessert; they are a little celebration of cozy warmth and creamy sweetness all in one bite. I encourage you to dive into making them today and experience the joy of sharing this special treat with people you care about. Once you try these bars, they might just become your go-to recipe for every occasion that calls for a touch of comfort and spice.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ginger-Cream Bars offer a delightful blend of warm spices and creamy frosting, perfect for a cozy dessert or sweet snack. Featuring a ginger and cinnamon spiced base topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they balance rich molasses flavor with a light, creamy finish. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, these bars bring comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring everything is fully combined without overmixing.
- Bake the Base: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the baked base cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream together until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Apply Frosting: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled ginger base to cover the entire surface.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Once chilled, cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- Molasses adds depth to the flavor; using blackstrap molasses will produce a stronger taste.
- Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a slightly stronger spice profile, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should remain slightly moist for chewy bars.
