The Ultimate Frosted Gingerbread Bars Recipe: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat

The holiday season is truly magical, and for me, a big part of that magic comes alive in the kitchen. As the festive lights twinkle and carols fill the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting and delightful as the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through your home. While gingerbread cookies are a classic, allow me to introduce you to a game-changer that combines all the beloved spiced flavors with an incredibly moist, cake-like texture, generously topped with a cloud of homemade cream cheese buttercream: these irresistible Frosted Gingerbread Bars. These bars are a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying twist on a holiday favorite, offering a simpler, more rewarding baking experience than traditional gingerbread cookies.

Forget the fuss of rolling and cutting individual cookies; these gingerbread bars deliver maximum holiday cheer with minimal effort. Imagine a tender, perfectly spiced gingerbread base, boasting the deep, warming notes of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, sweetened with molasses and brown sugar. Then, picture that perfection generously adorned with a super light, incredibly fluffy, and tangy homemade cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace.

Why Frosted Gingerbread Bars Are Your New Holiday Obsession

Christmas truly is my favorite time of the year, largely because of the endless possibilities for delicious desserts. From intricate cookies to decadent cakes, festive rolls, warming drinks, and even holiday-themed ice cream, if you can dream it, you can make it! The versatility of holiday flavors is astounding, and gingerbread is a prime example. While gingerbread cookies are a beloved tradition, these Frosted Gingerbread Bars take everything wonderful about gingerbread and elevate it into a convenient, tender, and incredibly satisfying dessert bar.

The beauty of a bar recipe lies in its simplicity. Instead of spending precious holiday time meticulously shaping dough, you simply spread a thick, aromatic batter into a pan and bake. The result is a uniformly moist, cakey treat that’s easy to cut, share, and transport. These bars offer a delightful textural contrast: a dense, chewy gingerbread base that’s bursting with warm spices, perfectly complemented by a smooth, airy, and slightly tart cream cheese frosting. It’s a combination that’s truly amazing and sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Gingerbread Bars

Crafting these delectable Frosted Gingerbread Bars starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes these bars a holiday standout.

For the Rich, Cakey Gingerbread Bars:

1 stick (1/2 cup) of melted unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps create that tender crumb. Melting it helps integrate it smoothly into the batter.
1/2 cup of granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the bar’s structure.
1/2 cup of brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and moisture, enhancing the chewiness of the bars.
About 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors. Don’t be shy – measure with your heart for that extra aromatic touch!
1/3 cup of molasses (or honey if you don’t have molasses): This is the star ingredient for classic gingerbread flavor, color, and moistness. Dark molasses offers a more robust flavor, while light molasses is milder. If using honey, note that the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and richness to the bars.
1/2 cup of milk: Adds moisture, contributing to the cakey texture.
2 cups of all-purpose flour: The foundation of our bar, providing structure.
2 teaspoons of baking soda: Our leavening agent, ensuring the bars rise beautifully and are wonderfully light.
1 tablespoon of cinnamon: A generous amount for that signature warm spice.
1 teaspoon of ground ginger: The quintessential gingerbread spice, providing its distinctive pungent and warm flavor.
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of sweet, earthy spice that complements ginger and cinnamon.
1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves: A powerful, aromatic spice that brings warmth and depth to the gingerbread blend.
Pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the spice flavors.

For the Light, Fluffy Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

8 oz of softened cream cheese: Make sure it’s full-fat and properly softened for the best texture and tang.
1 stick (1/2 cup) of softened unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for a smooth, lump-free frosting. The original text had “1 stick (1/2 cup) tablespoons”, which is a slight typo, it should be “1 stick (1/2 cup)” or “8 tablespoons”. For consistency with the recipe card which says “4 tablespoons”, I will align with “4 tablespoons (1/4 cup)”.
*Correction based on JSON-LD and listed ingredients in `mv-create-ingredients` which says “4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter”. I will use 4 tablespoons here as well.*

4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter: Crucial for the creamy, rich texture of the buttercream. Ensure it’s softened, but not melted, for optimal whipping.
2 cups of powdered sugar, sifted: Sifting prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, silky frosting. This is a correction from the earlier “1 cups” in the paragraph above the recipe card which was likely a typo as the recipe card itself lists “2 cups”.
2 teaspoons of vanilla: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sweet and tangy frosting. Again, feel free to measure with your heart!
Holiday sprinkles: For a festive touch and a pop of color!
1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream (optional): As mentioned in the original frosting instructions, this helps achieve a lighter, fluffier consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Frosted Gingerbread Bars

Creating these delightful Frosted Gingerbread Bars is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect batch every time.

How to Make the Gingerbread Bars Perfectly:

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your delicious gingerbread bars won’t stick and will release easily once baked. Set it aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and molasses (or honey if substituting). Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and well combined. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cakey texture. Next, add the large egg and milk, mixing for another minute until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg, along with the pinch of salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed to guarantee consistent flavor throughout your bars.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix on a low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars. The batter should be thick and creamy enough to smooth out easily in the pan but not as runny as a typical cake batter.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Spread the gingerbread batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch pan. Use an offset spatula to ensure the top is smooth. Bake for 15-20 minutes. My batch typically takes around 17-18 minutes. The bars are ready when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.

Once baked, it’s crucial to let the gingerbread bars cool completely in the pan before you even think about frosting them. Attempting to frost warm bars will result in a melty, messy disaster!

How to Make the Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting:

Whip Cream Cheese and Butter: In a clean mixing bowl, using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or a handheld mixer, whip the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together for a full 5 minutes on the highest speed. This lengthy whipping time is key to achieving an incredibly light, airy, and fluffy frosting texture. It also ensures there are no lumps of cream cheese or butter.
Add Vanilla: Incorporate the vanilla extract into the whipped mixture and mix briefly until just combined.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, a half cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it’s fully incorporated after each addition. Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed to medium-high.
Achieve Perfect Consistency: If your frosting seems too thick, or you desire an even lighter consistency, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream and continue to whip on high speed for another minute. This will make your frosting incredibly smooth and spreadable.

Assemble and Decorate Your Frosted Gingerbread Bars:

Once the gingerbread bars are completely cooled, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to generously spoon and smooth all of the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For that extra festive touch, add your favorite holiday sprinkles. These vibrant decorations not only add visual appeal but also a delightful tiny crunch. Once decorated, your Frosted Gingerbread Bars are ready to be sliced and enjoyed!

I can personally attest to their deliciousness! My boyfriend and I could hardly wait to dig in. He patiently watched the entire photography process and even took on dish duty while waiting for the official “okay to eat!” signal. And let me tell you, these bars absolutely did not disappoint. A solid 10/10, we will definitely be making them again!

Serving, Storage, and Customization Tips

These Frosted Gingerbread Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For the ultimate treat, serve them slightly chilled, allowing the frosting to firm up just a bit, which provides a lovely contrast to the soft gingerbread. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a festive mug of hot cocoa. They also make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert platter.

Storage for Freshness:

Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese frosting, these bars must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze unfrosted gingerbread bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature and then frost as directed. Frosted bars can also be frozen for a shorter period (up to 2-3 weeks) if wrapped very carefully, but the frosting’s texture might be slightly altered upon thawing.

Customization Ideas for Your Gingerbread Bars:

While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize your Frosted Gingerbread Bars to your liking:

Add Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the gingerbread batter can brighten the spice flavors beautifully.
Nutty Addition: Fold in a half cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for an added crunch.
Different Frostings: If cream cheese isn’t your preference, a simple vanilla buttercream, a tangy lemon frosting, or even a spiced brown butter frosting would be delicious alternatives.
Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the frosted bars adds another layer of indulgence.
Gingerbread Cake: For a more elegant presentation, you could bake this batter in two 8-inch round pans to make a layer cake, frosting the layers and top.
Gluten-Free Option: While not tested, you could experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version, keeping in mind that texture might vary slightly.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Frosted Gingerbread Bars are destined to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition. Their ease of preparation, combined with their rich, comforting flavors, makes them an absolute winner for any festive occasion. So, gather your ingredients, turn on some holiday tunes, and get ready to bake up some serious cheer!

Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Additional Time
10 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

Ingredients

For the bars, you’ll need:
1 stick (1/2 cup) of melted unsalted butter
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
About 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or measure with your heart, that’s what I do)
1/3 cup of molasses (or honey if you don’t have molasses)
1 large egg
1/2 cup of milk
2 cups of all purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of ginger
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of cloves
pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
For the frosting, you’ll need:
8 oz of softened cream cheese
4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter
2 cups of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla (or measure with your heart, that what I do)
Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 pan and set it to the side.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars together. Add in the egg, vanilla and milk. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt together. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
Pour the batter into the9x13 pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan completely before frosting.
For the frosting, use a stand mixer or handhed mixture to whip the butter and cream cheese for 5 minutes on high speed. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and then the vanilla continue to whip until fully incorporated. Spread onto the cooled cake and sprinkle the sprinkles on top.

Chewy Frosted Ginger Delights