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
Scale
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.