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Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate holiday dessert. These soft and flavorful bars are infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them the perfect treat for chilly days.
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • - Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Baking pan (9x13-inch)
  • - Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
  • - Cooling rack
  • - Spatula or knife for frosting

Ingredients
  

  • **For the Gingerbread Bars:**
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • **For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk as needed for consistency

Instructions
 

  • **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • **Make the Gingerbread Batter:** In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the molasses and milk.
  • **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • **Bake the Bars:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
  • **Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:** While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • **Frost the Bars:** Once the gingerbread bars have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
  • **Serve:** Cut the bars into squares and serve.