Save Rich, spiced gingerbread bars layered with a buttery crumble and finished with a tangy lemon glaze—these festive treats are perfect for any season.
I first made these bars for a holiday brunch and was amazed by how quickly they disappeared. The combination of zingy lemon and deep gingerbread spice creates a dessert everyone reaches for.
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 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 flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients and form dough:
- Add melted butter, molasses, and egg. Stir until a thick, crumbly dough forms.
- Reserve crumble:
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the dough for the crumble topping.
- Press base:
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Add crumble topping:
- 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:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the cooled bars. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Save My family always remembers the bright aroma when I drizzle the lemon glaze—the kitchen fills with the scent of ginger and citrus as we gather to taste them together.
Required Tools
You’ll need an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, and parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Review all ingredient labels if unsure about allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains about 220 calories, 8 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save Enjoy these bars with a cup of tea or pack them up for afternoon snacking at any time of year.