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Soft Molasses Bars

Soft Molasses Bars

Chewy soft molasses spice bars baked in a sheet pan with an optional tangy cream cheese frosting
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings 24

INGREDIENTS

Molasses Bars

  • 2 1 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 2 tsp fine salt
  • 3 4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 3 4 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 2 cup hot water.

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
  • pinch of salt.

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep and Batter

  • heat oven to 350 F and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment or grease well
  • whisk flour baking soda ginger cinnamon cloves and salt until evenly combined
  • cream butter and brown sugar until light and smooth then beat in egg molasses and vanilla until uniform
  • add dry ingredients and mix just until combined then mix in hot water to make a thick spreadable batter.

Bake and Cool

  • spread batter evenly in pan and smooth the top
  • bake until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs 20 to 25 minutes
  • cool completely in the pan then lift out and cut into bars.

Optional Frosting

  • beat cream cheese and butter until smooth then beat in powdered sugar vanilla and salt
  • thin with milk as needed then spread on cooled bars and chill briefly for cleaner cuts.

Notes

1. do not overbake for the softest texture; substitute dark brown sugar for deeper flavor; replace cloves with nutmeg if preferred; for extra chew chill the bars overnight before serving; frosting is optional and bars also work dusted with powdered sugar

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g