Spiced Gingerbread Delight Bars
Indulge in these delectable Spiced Gingerbread Delight Bars that are perfect for any occasion! This homemade recipe features a moist, cake-like texture infused with a warm medley of ginger and spices, delivering a delightful 'hot zing' in every bite. The addition of finely chopped crystallized ginger adds a burst of sweet and spicy flavor, making these bars truly special. Whether enjoyed as a festive treat or a cozy dessert after dinner, these bars are sure to satisfy your ginger cravings. For a milder version for the little ones, simply adjust the amount of crystallized ginger to your taste. These bars are not only delicious but also beautifully topped with coarse sugar for an elegant finish, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
1 cup (softened)
sugar
1 1/4 cups (granulated)
molasses
1/4 cup (unsulfured)
egg
1 (large)
ginger powder
1 tablespoon (ground)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (ground)
baking soda
1 teaspoon ( - )
clove
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/4 teaspoon ( - )
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 tablespoons (to taste)
coarse sugar
3 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter (or margarine), granulated sugar, molasses, and egg until smooth and fluffy.
3
Add the ginger powder, cinnamon, baking soda, clove, white pepper, and salt to the mixture. Beat well until all spices are thoroughly incorporated.
4
Gradually add the sifted flour and finely chopped crystallized ginger, mixing until just combined and the flour is fully absorbed into the batter.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6
Sprinkle the coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are medium brown, firm to the touch, and slightly risen in the center.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan. Cut into bars after cooling.
9
For extra flair, consider adding additional chopped crystallized ginger on top along with the coarse sugar, perfect for customizing the flavor for kids!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Gingerbread Delight Bars?
They are moist, cake-like dessert bars infused with a warm medley of ginger and various spices, topped with coarse sugar.
What is the texture of these gingerbread bars?
These bars feature a moist, cake-like texture that is firm to the touch once baked.
What creates the 'hot zing' in this recipe?
The 'hot zing' comes from a combination of ginger powder, white pepper, and finely chopped crystallized ginger.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is needed for these bars.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, the 9x13 inch baking pan should be lightly greased before adding the batter.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either softened butter or margarine.
What type of molasses should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsulfured molasses.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
One large egg is required for this recipe.
What spices are included in the spice medley?
The spice medley includes ground ginger powder, cinnamon, cloves, and white pepper.
How much ginger powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground ginger powder.
Is white pepper a standard ingredient in these bars?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper is used to add a unique spicy depth to the bars.
Should the flour be sifted before adding it to the mix?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the role of crystallized ginger in this recipe?
Finely chopped crystallized ginger adds a burst of sweet and spicy flavor and texture to the bars.
How can I make these bars milder for children?
You can adjust or reduce the amount of crystallized ginger to suit the tastes of younger children.
What is the purpose of the coarse sugar topping?
The coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch and an elegant finish to the top of the bars.
How long do the bars need to bake?
The bars should bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the gingerbread bars are finished baking?
They are done when they are medium brown, firm to the touch, and slightly risen in the center.
Should the bars be cooled before they are cut?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Can I add extra toppings for more flair?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional chopped crystallized ginger on top along with the coarse sugar for extra flair.
What are the first ingredients to be mixed?
The softened butter or margarine, granulated sugar, molasses, and egg should be creamed together until smooth and fluffy.
Is baking soda used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking soda is included to help the bars rise.
What type of sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar in the batter.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Can I serve these bars for a festive occasion?
Absolutely, these bars are perfect as a festive holiday treat or a cozy dessert.
How should the batter be placed in the pan?
The batter should be poured into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
What color should the bars be when finished?
The bars should be baked until they reach a medium brown color.
How much coarse sugar is needed for the topping?
The recipe suggests using 3 tablespoons of coarse sugar for the topping.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total used to make these Spiced Gingerbread Delight Bars.