Vanilla Extract: Adds delicate sweet undertone to frosting.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps stabilize frosting texture.
Tools for Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and whipping frosting to smooth consistency.
9×13-inch baking pan: Key for baking the gingerbread bars evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Spatula: Helps spread dough and frosting evenly in the pan.
Foil or parchment paper: Ensures easy removal of bars from the pan.
Cooling rack: Optional for cooling bars after baking.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gingerbread Magic
Oven Warmup Cozy kitchen vibes start with preheating to a toasty 325°F. Grab a baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Butter Bliss Grab your mixer and whip softened butter with sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. The mixture should look light and airy.
Spice Symphony Introduce egg, vanilla, and molasses to create a rich brown mixture that smells like holiday cheer. Let the mixer dance for a couple minutes.
Dry Ingredient Harmony Sprinkle in warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Add flour and baking soda, gently folding everything together until just combined.
Baking Adventure Press the dough evenly into the pan, creating a smooth landscape. Slide into the oven and bake until edges hint at golden brown, about 20-22 minutes.
Cooling Moment Let the bars rest completely in the pan, allowing flavors to settle and textures to develop.
Frosting Fantasy Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth. Once bars are cool, spread frosting like a creamy blanket.
Serving Delight Slice into squares and enjoy immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for continued sweet moments.
Tips for Better Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Adjust the ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to match your personal taste preference. Start with less and gradually increase for a perfectly balanced warmth.
Prepare the bars up to three days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and become more complex as they sit.
Wrap unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and add frosting just before serving for maximum freshness.
Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies, toasted pecans, or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting for extra texture and visual appeal.
Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe friendly for those with lactose sensitivities.
Ways to Serve Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Holiday Party Centerpiece: Create a festive dessert platter featuring these gingerbread bars alongside seasonal cookies and decorated mini cupcakes for a stunning holiday spread.
Cozy Winter Comfort: Serve warm bars with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or hot cocoa, perfect for enjoying by the fireplace during chilly evenings.
Gifting Delight: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a holiday ribbon for homemade edible gifts that spread seasonal cheer to friends and neighbors.
Afternoon Tea Treat: Pair these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh berries for an elegant afternoon dessert that complements tea or coffee perfectly.
Best Storage for Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store these delightful gingerbread bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them deliciously cool and moist for up to 5 days.
Freezer Magic Technique: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 3 months – perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
Room Temperature Sweet Spot: Let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese frosting and enhance their rich, spicy flavors.
Make-Ahead Masterplan: Prepare the bars and frosting separately up to 2 days in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and incredible texture.
Homemade gingerbread bars with cream cheese frosting offer a delightful winter treat packed with warm spices. Rich flavors and creamy frosting create a memorable dessert you’ll crave throughout cold seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (113 g) butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup (60 ml) molasses
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp nutmeg
¾ tsp vanilla extract
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (57 g) butter, softened
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation: Set oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment, lightly coating with cooking spray for effortless removal.
Creaming: Blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the gingerbread bars.
Wet Ingredients: Add egg, vanilla, and molasses to the sugar mixture, whisking vigorously until the batter transforms into a rich, caramel-like consistency.
Dry Ingredients: Gently incorporate cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, flour, and baking soda, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
Baking: Spread the spiced dough evenly across the prepared pan, then bake for 20-22 minutes until edges develop a gentle golden-brown color.
Cooling: Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan, letting flavors meld and intensify.
Frosting: Whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a silky, smooth consistency perfect for spreading.
Finishing: Once bars reach room temperature, generously cover with cream cheese frosting, then slice into elegant squares and serve, or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Spice Precision: Freshly ground spices enhance the depth and warmth of traditional gingerbread flavor, elevating the entire dessert’s complexity.
Temperature Matters: Allow butter and cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and optimal texture.
Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent tough, dense bars; stop stirring the moment dry ingredients disappear.
Frosting Finesse: Chill cream cheese frosting for 15 minutes before spreading to create cleaner, more defined edges and prevent melting on warm bars.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.