Save to Pinterest Rich spiced gingerbread bars layered with a buttery crumble and finished with a tangy lemon glaze—a festive treat perfect for any season.
These bars remind me of winters spent baking with family. Their aroma fills the kitchen and always brings back cheerful holiday memories.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1 cup (200 g)
- Ground ginger: 2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted: 3/4 cup (170 g)
- Unsulphured molasses: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Egg: 1 large
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 1 cup (120 g)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Finely grated lemon zest: 1 tsp
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Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the melted butter, molasses, and egg. Stir until a thick crumbly dough forms.
- Reserve Crumble:
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the dough for the crumble topping.
- Form Base:
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Add Crumble:
- Sprinkle the reserved dough over the base in small chunks to create a crumble effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool Bars:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Glaze:
- For the glaze whisk together the powdered sugar lemon juice and zest until smooth.
- Finish:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping make the crumble topping—it's a fun activity that gets everyone involved and creates wonderful memories to share.
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Required Tools
Use a square baking pan mixing bowls whisk rubber spatula and parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect bars.
Allergen Information
Recipe contains wheat eggs and dairy. Check ingredient labels for specific allergen information.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has about 220 calories 8 g total fat 36 g carbohydrates and 2 g protein.
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Enjoy these festive bars with a cup of hot tea or mulled cider for a special treat.
Questions & Answers
- → What spices are used in the bars?
The bars feature ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
- → Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, replace the butter with vegan alternatives to keep the buttery texture without dairy.
- → How is the lemon glaze prepared?
The glaze is made by whisking together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon zest until smooth.
- → What is the purpose of the crumble topping?
The crumble adds a buttery, textured layer that contrasts with the soft gingerbread base, enhancing the bars' appeal.
- → Can additional flavors be added?
Yes, chopped crystallized ginger or toasted pecans can be mixed into the crumble for extra flavor and crunch.
