Save Rich, spiced gingerbread bars layered with a buttery crumble and finished with a tangy lemon glaze are a festive treat perfect for any season, combining warming flavors with a bright citrus finish to delight dessert lovers.
I still remember bringing these bars to a winter gathering last year: the rich aroma filled the kitchen and everyone asked for seconds before the glaze had even set. The combination of spice and lemon always brings back joyful memories for me.
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)
- Egg: 1 large
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 1 cup (120 g)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Finely grated lemon zest: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the 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.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- Add melted butter, molasses, and egg. Stir until a thick, crumbly dough forms.
- Divide dough:
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the dough for the crumble topping.
- Form base and topping:
- Press remaining dough evenly into the pan for the base. Sprinkle reserved dough over the base in small chunks for crumble effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool:
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Finish:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled bars. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Save Sharing these with my family around the holidays always leads to laughter and recipe requests. The bright glaze makes everyone smile — it's a treat that brings generations together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these bars with hot tea or mulled cider for a comforting afternoon snack or a festive dessert table centerpiece.
Adaptations
For a dairy-free version, simply substitute vegan butter for the unsalted butter. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts or crystallized ginger to suit your own tastes.
Storage & Make-Ahead
These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer freshness.
Save These gingerbread bars are a simple yet impressive way to celebrate seasonal flavors. Their delightful spice and zesty glaze will have everyone reaching for just one more.
Recipe FAQ
- → What spices create the gingerbread flavor?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg blend to give the bars their warm, spiced profile.
- → Can I add nuts or other textures to the crumble?
Yes, chopped crystallized ginger or toasted pecans can be mixed into the crumble for added crunch and flavor.
- → How is the lemon glaze prepared?
It's made by whisking powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated zest until smooth and glossy.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Substitute vegan butter for the unsalted butter to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing texture.
- → What baking equipment is needed?
An 8-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a rubber spatula are required.