Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Sophie’s Easy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of cozy, spiced indulgence and mindful baking. Soft, chewy, and filled with warm holiday spices, these bars deliver everything you love about classic gingerbread—with a subtle “healthy-ish” twist that makes them even better. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re festive, comforting, and irresistibly good any time of year.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
- Total Time: 42 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
**For the Gingerbread Bars:**
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
⅓ cup (80 ml) robust molasses
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12.25×8.75-inch jelly roll pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
2.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4.
5. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated and slightly lightened in color.
6.
7. Add the spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), salt, baking soda, and flour. Mix on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
8.
9. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
10.
11. Bake for 20–22 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
12.
13. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
14.
15. For the frosting: beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
16.
17. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For authentic gingerbread flavor, use robust (full-flavored) molasses rather than mild or light molasses.
Be careful not to overbake—bars should be soft and chewy, not dry. A toothpick with moist crumbs is perfect.
Ensure bars are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.
Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
For a festive twist, sprinkle with cinnamon, candied ginger, or chopped nuts before serving.