Ginger bars are the perfect treat for those who love the warm, spicy flavor of ginger. These bars are soft, chewy, and have a delightful hint of molasses that complements the brown sugar perfectly. With a sprinkle of coarse sanding sugar on top, they not only taste amazing but also look beautiful.
When preparing this recipe, make sure you have molasses on hand, as it's not a common household item. Coarse sanding sugar might also be something you need to pick up from the supermarket as it's often used for decorating and might not be in your pantry.
Ingredients for Ginger Bars
unsalted butter: Provides a rich and creamy base for the bars.
brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
molasses: Enhances the depth of flavor with its rich, dark sweetness.
eggs: Helps to bind the ingredients together and add richness.
vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances other flavors.
flour: The primary structure builder of the bars.
whole wheat flour: Adds a hearty texture and a slight nutty flavor.
ground ginger: Provides the signature warm and spicy flavor.
baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
baking soda: Works with the baking powder for leavening.
salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
coarse sanding sugar: Adds a beautiful, crunchy topping.
One reader, Jeana Cummings says:
These ginger bars are absolutely delightful! The perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes them a hit at any gathering. The texture is wonderfully moist, and the coarse sanding sugar adds a lovely crunch. A must-try recipe for ginger lovers!
Key Techniques for Perfect Ginger Bars
How to cream butter and sugar: Creaming involves beating the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light texture in the final baked product.
How to sift dry ingredients: Sifting involves passing dry ingredients through a fine mesh sieve to break up any lumps and to aerate the ingredients. This ensures even distribution and helps to create a uniform texture in the final product.
How to combine wet and dry ingredients: When combining wet and dry ingredients, it's important to mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense and tough texture.
How to spread batter evenly: Spreading batter evenly in the pan ensures that the bars bake uniformly. Use a spatula to level the surface and ensure even thickness throughout.
How to use coarse sanding sugar: Coarse sanding sugar is sprinkled on top of the batter before baking to add a crunchy texture and a bit of sparkle to the finished bars.
How To Make Ginger Bars
Whip up some spiced goodies with these soft and chewy ginger bars. They’re baked with brown sugar and molasses for a moist and flavorful slice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅔cupunsalted butter,softened
- 1¾cupsbrown sugar,packed
- ¼cupmolasses
- 2large eggs
- 2tspvanilla extract
- 1cupflour
- 1cupwhole wheat flour
- 1tbspground ginger
- 1tspbaking powder
- ¼tspbaking soda
- 1tspsalt
- 2tbspcoarse sanding sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with baking spray.
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To a stand mixer, add the butter and brown sugar, then beat on medium speed for 1 minute until creamed together. Add in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
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Sift together the flour, whole wheat flour, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Lower the speed on the stand mixer to the lowest setting, then add in the dry ingredients until just combined.
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Spread batter into the baking pan evenly and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
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Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 143.35kcal
- Fat: 5.70g
- Saturated Fat: 3.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.50g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.36g
- Carbohydrates: 21.89g
- Fiber: 0.71g
- Sugar: 14.03g
- Protein: 1.81g
- Cholesterol: 29.06mg
- Sodium: 85.14mg
- Calcium: 36.74mg
- Potassium: 99.86mg
- Iron: 0.62mg
- Vitamin A: 49.80µg
- Vitamin C: 0.00mg
Expert Tip for Mastering Ginger Bars
When creaming the butter and brown sugar together, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy mixture that will help the ginger bars achieve the perfect texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Ginger Bars
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and sift all dry ingredients ahead of time to streamline the mixing process.
Use a food processor: Quickly cream the butter and brown sugar together using a food processor instead of a stand mixer.
Preheat while prepping: Start preheating the oven as soon as you begin gathering your ingredients.
Line the pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
Batch tasks: Combine similar steps, like measuring all wet ingredients together before adding them to the mix.
Substitute Ingredients For Ginger Bars Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, adding a slight coconut flavor that complements the spices.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
molasses - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and moisture, though it lacks the deep flavor of molasses. Use a bit less honey as it is sweeter.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that can enhance the overall taste.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This is a good option for those with gluten intolerance. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for binding.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with spelt flour: Spelt flour has a similar nutritional profile and texture, making it a good whole grain alternative.
ground ginger - Substitute with fresh ginger: Use 1 tbsp of freshly grated ginger for every 1 tsp of ground ginger to maintain the flavor profile.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for every 1 tsp of baking powder.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 4 times the amount of baking powder, but be aware this may affect the texture slightly.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in equal amounts and provides a slightly different mineral content.
coarse sanding sugar - Substitute with turbinado sugar: Turbinado sugar has a similar coarse texture and adds a slight molasses flavor.
Creative Ways to Serve Ginger Bars
Use a rectangular plate: Choose a sleek, white rectangular plate to contrast with the rich color of the ginger bars and to provide a modern, clean presentation.
Cut into uniform squares: Slice the ginger bars into even, bite-sized squares to ensure a refined and elegant appearance.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Place a small dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each ginger bar square to add a touch of lightness and contrast to the dense texture.
Garnish with candied ginger: Finely chop some candied ginger and sprinkle it delicately over the whipped cream for an extra burst of flavor and a visually appealing touch.
Drizzle with caramel sauce: Lightly drizzle a homemade caramel sauce over the ginger bars to enhance their sweetness and add a glossy finish.
Add a mint leaf: Place a small, fresh mint leaf on top of each ginger bar square to introduce a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream: Accompany the ginger bars with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, providing a creamy contrast to the spiced bars.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with powdered sugar to give a snowy, elegant finish that ties the presentation together.
Storing and Freezing Ginger Bars for Later
- Once the ginger bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
- Place the cut bars in an airtight container, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Store the container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The ginger bars will remain soft and chewy.
- If you want to keep the bars fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, ensuring that it's tightly sealed.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the ginger bars for up to 3 months.
- To thaw the frozen bars, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds on high power until they're soft and warm.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, you can reheat the thawed bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
How To Reheat Leftover Ginger Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ginger bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they're warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method will help restore the bars' texture and bring out the warm, spicy aroma of the ginger.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the ginger bars in aluminum foil before placing them in the preheated oven. This will help retain moisture and prevent the bars from drying out. Heat them for 10-12 minutes, or until they're heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the ginger bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds at a time, until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the bars to become tough or rubbery.
If you want to add a touch of extra indulgence, try warming the ginger bars in a skillet with a pat of butter. Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add the bars and heat them for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they're warmed through and slightly crispy. The butter will add a rich, nutty flavor that complements the spicy ginger.
For a fun twist, try crumbling the leftover ginger bars over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or yogurt. The warm, spicy crumbs will melt into the cool, creamy base, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This is a great way to repurpose leftover bars and turn them into a whole new dessert experience.
Interesting Trivia About Ginger Bars
A random fact about this ginger bars recipe is that the combination of molasses and brown sugar not only adds a rich, deep flavor but also keeps the bars moist and chewy.
Budget-Friendly: Making Ginger Bars at Home
This ginger bars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, and flour are pantry staples, and the addition of whole wheat flour and ground ginger doesn't significantly raise the cost. The total approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Ginger Bars a Healthy Treat?
This ginger bars recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- High sugar content: The recipe calls for a significant amount of brown sugar and molasses, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly.
- Butter: Although unsalted butter is used, it still adds a considerable amount of saturated fat to the recipe.
- Refined flour: The use of all-purpose flour lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grain alternatives.
However, the inclusion of whole wheat flour and ginger does provide some redeeming qualities. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential digestive benefits.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses, or replace a portion with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Substitute part of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, applesauce, or mashed bananas
- Increase the proportion of whole wheat flour to all-purpose flour, or experiment with other nutrient-dense flours like oat, almond, or coconut
- Add in some chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits
- Serve the ginger bars with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced treat
Editor's Opinion: Why Ginger Bars Are a Must-Try
This ginger bars recipe offers a delightful balance of warm spices and rich sweetness, perfect for a cozy treat. The combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour adds a subtle nuttiness and a slightly denser texture, enhancing the overall mouthfeel. The coarse sanding sugar on top provides a pleasant crunch, contrasting nicely with the soft, chewy interior. The use of molasses deepens the flavor profile, making these bars a standout. However, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of complexity. Overall, it's a well-rounded and satisfying dessert.
Enhance Your Ginger Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Ginger Bars
Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Ginger Bars
Why trust this Ginger Bars Recipe:
This recipe for ginger bars is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The combination of brown sugar and molasses creates a rich, deep flavor, while the ground ginger adds a delightful spice. Using both all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour gives these bars a perfect texture that's both chewy and hearty. The coarse sanding sugar on top adds a satisfying crunch. Trust this recipe for its balanced ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
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