Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
It’s the season for gingerbread folks. I tried out these bars the other day and found them a nice little treat for the holiday season. A bonus to these bars is that they are very pretty even without adding the final layer of frosting on top, if you prefer.
I think I would have liked a more potent gingerbread flavor, which more of a solid, hefty bar. These are more light both in taste and weight. For those that would prefer that combo, these are for you. Enjoy!
Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Makes a 9×13-inch pan
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup  (1 1/2 sticks)  butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 package  (8 ounces)  cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons  Vanilla Extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line 13×9-inch baking pan with foil.  Spray foil with no stick cooking spray.  Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; set aside.
- Beat butter and 3/4 cup of the sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Â Beat in egg until well blended. Â Gradually beat in flour mixture until well mixed. Â Stir in molasses and water just until blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
- Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Â Beat in remaining 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Â Reserve 1/2 cup of the icing; refrigerate remaining icing. Â Spoon dollops (about 1 teaspoon each) of the reserved icing over batter in pan. Â With knife or spatula, swirl icing through batter to marbleize.
- Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Â Cool in pan 15 minutes. Â Lift out of pan using foil. Â Cool completely on wire rack. Â Invert and peel off foil. Â Spread refrigerated icing over bars. Â Cut into bars. Â Store in refrigerator.
Source: Culinary Concoctions by Peabody, Picky Palate and McCormick.
So pretty and delicious!
Yum! I love anything gingerbread! Pinning!