Gingerbread Bars
Warm, spiced gingerbread bars with walnuts offer a delightful treat perfect for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons, combining rich molasses and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
- vegetable oil spray ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted margarine at room temperature ⓘ
- 1 c. dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- 1/4 c. molasses ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 c. whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dry skim milk powder ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. baking soda
- 3/4 tsp. powdered ginger
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 12 1/2 x 8-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray.
- In a large bowl, beat margarine at medium speed until creamy.
- Add brown sugar and beat at high speed until well combined.
- Beat in egg whites; add molasses in a separate bowl and mix well.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, dry skim milk powder, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- Add the sifted ingredients to the margarine mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Stir in coarsely chopped walnuts and mix well.
- Place the dough in the center of the prepared pan.
- Using a spatula, spread dough evenly in the pan.
- Place the pan on the center rack of the oven.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs, as this keeps the bars moist without adding extra fat. If you're out of dry skim milk powder, you can substitute with an equal amount of additional all-purpose flour. To enhance the flavors, try adding a bit of freshly grated ginger. Always ensure your margarine is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread bars are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for added sweetness. Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, and consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience. They also make a great treat for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gingerbread Bars contains roughly 357 calories, with 4g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, but it can add nutritional value.
How do I know when the gingerbread bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more baking time. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to include chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even other nuts like pecans for added texture and flavor. Just make sure not to overload the batter, as that can affect the baking time and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).