Gingerbread Fudge Bars with Frosting

Introduction

These Gingerbread Fudge Bars with Frosting are a festive treat that combines the warmth of gingerbread spices with the creamy sweetness of a luscious frosting. Perfect for the holiday season, these bars are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. The frosting, often topped with sprinkles for a festive touch, adds a creamy contrast to the spiced base, making these bars an irresistible dessert for gatherings or as a special homemade gift.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Bars:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)
• Festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Bars

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Bake:
   • Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. Cream the Base:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Flavor:
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
   • Mix in the vanilla extract and milk (if needed) for a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Frost and Decorate

• Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars.
• Sprinkle festive sprinkles over the top for decoration.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
• Serve and enjoy the holiday flavors.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Fudge Bars with Frosting are the ultimate holiday dessert, combining warm, spiced flavors with a creamy, sweet frosting. Perfect for sharing, they are a festive addition to any dessert table or gift basket. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these bars will surely become a holiday tradition in your kitchen!