Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk or cream, as needed
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using greased hands or a spatula.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
9. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla and milk to desired consistency.
10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Use parchment paper to lift out of the pan, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
Use only unsulphured molasses for the right flavor and texture—avoid blackstrap molasses.
For chewier bars, slightly underbake and allow to finish setting as they cool.
Store frosted bars in the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfrosted bars tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost just before serving.
Try adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg