Frosted Cinnamon-Ginger Bars with Molasses and Spices
These soft, chewy spiced bars combine the warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with rich molasses for a perfect fall treat. The tender cake-like base is topped with vanilla frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, creating layers of sweetness and spice. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you want a comforting dessert that's easy to serve to a crowd. The molasses adds deep flavor and keeps the bars moist, while the frosting makes them feel special enough for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter or margarine, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 2 ½ cups Gold Medal all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may affect texture slightly
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup Betty Crocker Whipped Vanilla Frosting, from 1 tub (12 oz)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F
- 2
Beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended
- 3
Beat in egg until well blended
- 4
Beat in molasses until creamy
- 5
Beat in remaining bar ingredients on low speed until soft dough forms
- 6
Press dough in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan
- 7
Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until edges look dry and center springs back when touched gently
- 8
Cool completely, about 1 hour
- 9
Mix granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in small bowl
- 10
Spread frosting over bars
- 11
Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture
- 12
Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows
Tips
Press the dough firmly and evenly in the pan to ensure uniform baking and prevent cracking.
Test doneness by gently touching the center - it should spring back and not leave an indentation.
Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 1 day ahead without frosting. Add frosting and cinnamon sugar just before serving.
Serve at room temperature. Cut cleanly with a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or bars will become dry and crumbly.
Don't frost while warm or frosting will melt and slide off.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
may affect texture slightly
General Alternatives
mix 8oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar
FAQ
Can I make these without frosting?
Yes, these bars are delicious plain or with just a dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting.
How long do these keep?
Unfrosted bars keep 5 days at room temperature. Frosted bars should be refrigerated and consumed within a week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.