Indulge in the warm, spiced goodness of Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—your new favorite gluten-free and dairy-free treat! These delightful bars combine the rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them a perfect holiday dessert or a cozy snack any time of year. Topped with a luscious, creamy frosting, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Ready to elevate your baking game? Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to create a deliciously festive treat that everyone can enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz dairy-free cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, mix coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a consistent batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- For the frosting, beat dairy-free cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, cut into 12 equal squares, and serve.
Tips
- Measure Accurately: For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your gluten-free flour and coconut sugar. This ensures consistent texture and flavor in your bars.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the light, fluffy texture you want.
- Cooling Time: Be patient and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps it set perfectly.
- Chill for Best Results: After frosting, refrigerate the bars for 15-20 minutes. This helps the cream cheese frosting firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A touch of nutmeg or allspice can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 35mg