Gingerbread Bars

Gingerbread Bars are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, offering all the warm, spiced flavors in a convenient bar form. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings, these bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with the familiar taste of cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from honey. With added nuts and dried fruits, they provide a lovely texture that will make them a hit among family and friends. Let’s dive into the complete recipe and all the essential information to create these sweet treats!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg

Why Make This Gingerbread Bars

Making Gingerbread Bars is not just about enjoying a delicious dessert; it’s about creating a warm atmosphere filled with fresh spices wafting through your home. These bars are easy to prepare and bring a festive touch to any gathering. They’re a perfect treat for cookie exchanges and holiday parties or to enjoy by the fire with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Plus, their adaptability allows you to customize them with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.

How to Make Gingerbread Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or hazelnuts)
• 1 cup dried fruits (apricots, figs, or raisins)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. This step is crucial to ensure your bars don’t stick to the pan, making for an easy removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This aeration helps create a tender texture in your bars. Next, add honey and eggs, mixing until combined. This mixture forms the base of your gingerbread bars.

Step 3: Cooking

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground spices (ginger, cinnamon, and cloves), baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits, enhancing the bars with delightful flavors and textures. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Finishing

Once cooled, drizzle the bars with powdered sugar icing if desired for an extra touch of sweetness. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen and treat yourself to a delicious piece!

How to Serve Gingerbread Bars

Gingerbread Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with hot drinks like apple cider or spiced tea, making them an excellent choice for gatherings.

How to Store Gingerbread Bars

To keep your Gingerbread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For extended storage, freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.

Expert Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid tough bars.
3. Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bars. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re perfectly baked.
4. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding some orange or lemon zest to the batter.
5. Customize Nuts and Dried Fruits: Feel free to use your favorite nuts or fruits to make the recipe truly your own.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Gingerbread Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate twist.
• Maple Gingerbread Bars: Substitute honey with maple syrup to give your bars a unique flavor.
• Spiced Gingerbread Bars: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an added depth of spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?
  Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

• What nuts work best in Gingerbread Bars?
  Almonds and hazelnuts complement the spices well, but feel free to use walnuts or pecans.

• Can I leave out the dried fruits?
  Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-only bar, simply omit the dried fruits.

• How can I make my bars more moist?
  Adding a bit more honey or incorporating some applesauce can enhance moisture without changing the flavor significantly.

• Can I double the recipe?
  Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time, checking for doneness as needed.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Bars are a festive, easy-to-make treat that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. With their warm spices, pleasing texture, and delightful combination of nuts and fruits, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, get your kitchen filled with the warming scents of ginger and cinnamon, and enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your loved ones!

Gingerbread Bars

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, these bars are soft, chewy, and packed with warm, spiced flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or hazelnuts)
• 1 cup dried fruits (apricots, figs, or raisins)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add honey and eggs, mixing until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and stir until incorporated. Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruits, then spread into the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar icing if desired, cut into bars, and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding orange or lemon zest. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg