Ginger Delight Bars
Ginger Delight Bars are a scrumptious treat that combines a buttery, crunchy biscuit base with a rich ginger-flavored icing, perfectly accentuated by pieces of crystallized ginger. Hailing from a classic New Zealand recipe, these bars offer a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that are sure to appeal to ginger enthusiasts. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are ideal for any occasion and promise to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a delicious dessert ready in no time!
20
Servings
165
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
125 g (softened)
white sugar
125 g (preferably caster sugar)
plain flour
220 g (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (for biscuit base)
butter
60 g (chopped for icing)
icing sugar
125 g (none)
golden syrup
1 tablespoon (none)
ground ginger
2 teaspoons (for icing)
crystallized ginger
10 pieces (halved for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180C (350F) and prepare a baking tin by greasing it well. You can use a shallow-sided tin that measures approximately 27cm x 17cm (10 1/2" x 6 1/2") or a 20cm (8") square.
2
In a mixer or a food processor, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Sift the plain flour, ground ginger, and baking powder into the mixture. Blend these ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. If needed, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
4
Transfer the breadcrumb-like mixture into the prepared baking tin. Using your fingers or the back of a fork, spread and gently press down the mixture until it's evenly distributed and slightly firm. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent a dense base.
5
Place the tin on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the base is lightly browned.
6
During the final minutes of baking the base, prepare the ginger icing. In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt together the chopped butter, icing sugar, golden syrup, and ground ginger. Stir continuously until the icing is smooth and well combined.
7
Once the biscuit base is ready, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot icing over the base, spreading it evenly with a bread knife.
8
Take the crystallized ginger pieces, cut them in half, and space them evenly over the iced base.
9
While still warm, slice the dessert into approximately 20 squares.
10
Allow the Ginger Delight Bars to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Information
9 g
Fat
19 g
Carbs
1.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ginger Delight Bars?
Ginger Delight Bars are a scrumptious treat featuring a buttery, crunchy biscuit base and a rich ginger-flavored icing topped with crystallized ginger.
Where does this recipe originate?
This recipe is a classic treat hailing from New Zealand.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 20 squares.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 165 calories.
How much fat is in one ginger bar?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each bar contains 19 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is 1.5 grams of protein per bar.
What size baking tin should I use?
You can use a shallow-sided tin measuring 27cm x 17cm (10 1/2 inch x 6 1/2 inch) or a 20cm (8 inch) square tin.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 180C or 350F.
How should the baking tin be prepared?
The baking tin should be well greased before adding the mixture.
What type of sugar is recommended for the base?
Caster sugar is preferred for creaming with the butter.
How do I prepare the biscuit base mixture?
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then sift in flour, ginger, and baking powder and blend until it looks like fine breadcrumbs.
What texture should the base mixture have before baking?
The mixture should resemble fine breadcrumbs before being pressed into the tin.
How long does the base need to bake?
Bake the base for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the base is done?
The base is ready when it is lightly browned.
What ingredients are in the ginger icing?
The icing consists of chopped butter, icing sugar, golden syrup, and ground ginger.
How is the icing prepared?
Melt the ingredients in a small saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
When should the icing be added to the bars?
Immediately pour the hot icing over the biscuit base as soon as it is removed from the oven.
What is the best way to spread the icing?
A bread knife is recommended for spreading the icing evenly over the hot base.
How is the crystallized ginger used?
Ten pieces of crystallized ginger are cut in half and spaced evenly over the iced base.
When should the bars be sliced?
The dessert should be sliced into squares while it is still warm.
How should the bars be stored?
Store the bars in an airtight container once they have cooled completely.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor can be used to cream the butter and sugar and blend the dry ingredients.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the plain flour, ground ginger, and baking powder should be sifted into the creamed mixture.
How much ground ginger is used in the base?
The base requires 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much ground ginger is used in the icing?
The icing requires 2 teaspoons of ground ginger for a rich flavor.
Should I press the base mixture firmly into the tin?
Spread and gently press the mixture down, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent a dense base.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
What is the role of golden syrup in the icing?
Golden syrup is melted with other ingredients to create a smooth, well-combined ginger icing.
Can I store these while they are still warm?
No, you should allow the bars to cool completely before transferring them to storage.