Molasses Cake Bars
Moist, spiced molasses cake bars with warm cinnamon and cloves, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and beat well.
- Mix in molasses and water until combined.
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, coffee powder, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While warm, frost with confectioners icing and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the depth of flavor in your molasses cake bars, consider using dark molasses instead of light. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer taste. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture in your bars.
Serving Suggestions
These molasses cake bars are delightful on their own but can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. For a festive touch, pair with spiced tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other American recipes like The Wonderful Yellow Sheet Cake or Gooby Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover molasses cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold. Frosted bars can be stored in the same manner without compromising taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Cake Bars contains roughly 279 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 771mg per serving (34% 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 a different type of sweetener in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar or honey for the sugar, but be aware that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. If using honey, reduce the water by a couple of tablespoons as honey adds moisture. Experiment with these alternatives to find your preferred taste.
What can I use if I don't have coffee powder?
If you don't have coffee powder, you can omit it entirely or substitute it with a teaspoon of cocoa powder or even instant espresso powder for a different flavor profile. Both will contribute richness without overpowering the molasses flavor.
Can I freeze these molasses cake bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and you can reheat them for a warm treat.
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).