Save to Pinterest Rich, spiced gingerbread bars layered with a buttery crumble and finished with a tangy lemon glaze: a festive treat perfect for any season.
These bars always remind me of holiday gatherings where everyone would hover in the kitchen for the first taste: the aroma of molasses and ginger is warming and nostalgic. I love how the lemon glaze brightens the classic spice notes and makes these crumble bars completely irresistible.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1 cup (200 g)
- Ground ginger: 2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted: 3/4 cup (170 g)
- Unsulphured molasses: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Large egg: 1
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 1 cup (120 g)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Finely grated lemon zest: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the melted butter, molasses, and egg. Stir until a thick, crumbly dough forms.
- Reserve Topping:
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the dough for the crumble topping.
- Shape Base:
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Add Crumble:
- Sprinkle the reserved dough over the base in small chunks to create a crumble effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Glaze Bars:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Save to Pinterest My family loves enjoying these bars fresh out of the oven, gathered around the kitchen table with mugs of tea. They quickly became a staple for our seasonal celebrations and weekend baking afternoons.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, parchment paper, and an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan are essential for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter): always read ingredient packages if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has about 220 calories, 8 g fat, 36 g carbs, and 2 g protein.
Save to Pinterest One batch of these bars always disappears quickly: serve them with your favorite warm drink and celebrate any season.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread base?
The base contains ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, creating a warm and aromatic flavor profile.
- → Can I substitute butter for a dairy-free option?
Yes, vegan butter can be used to keep the texture and richness without dairy.
- → How is the lemon glaze prepared?
The glaze is made by whisking powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated zest until smooth.
- → Can I add nuts or other flavors to the crumble?
Adding chopped crystallized ginger or toasted pecans to the crumble topping enhances flavor and texture.
- → What is the best way to serve these bars?
They pair wonderfully with hot tea or mulled cider, complementing their warm and tangy notes.