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Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten Free and Dairy Free)

Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten Free and Dairy Free)

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

  1. 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  5. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  9. 1/2 cup maple syrup
  10. 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  11. 2 large eggs
  12. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  13. 8 oz dairy-free cream cheese
  14. 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  15. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a consistent batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
  6. 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.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
  8. For the frosting, beat dairy-free cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  9. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
  10. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
  11. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, cut into 12 equal squares, and serve.

Tips

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cooling Time: Be patient and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps it set perfectly.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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