Save Rich, spiced gingerbread bars layered with a buttery crumble and finished with a tangy lemon glaze—a festive treat perfect for any season.
I first baked these Lemon-Glazed Gingerbread Crumble Bars for a winter holiday party. Their sweet, spicy aroma filled the house and the citrusy glaze made every bite irresistible.
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)
- Large egg: 1
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 1 cup (120 g)
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Finely grated lemon zest: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare baking 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 the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Add the 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.
- Make lemon glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let set for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Save These bars always remind me of afternoons spent baking with my sister, sharing laughter and holiday memories over warm treats fresh from the oven.
Required Tools
8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Always check ingredient labels if unsure about allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 220, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 2 g
Save Share these delicious bars with friends and family for a simple yet unforgettable treat. The bright lemon glaze adds a refreshing twist to every bite.
Recipe Questions
- → What spices are included in the gingerbread base?
The base blends ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create a warm, spiced flavor.
- → How is the lemon glaze made?
The glaze combines powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon zest for a bright, tangy finish.
- → Can I add extra texture to the crumble topping?
Yes, chopped crystallized ginger or toasted pecans can be added to the crumble for more flavor and crunch.
- → What is the best way to bake the bars evenly?
Press the dough evenly into the pan and bake until the top is set and lightly golden, usually about 28-32 minutes.
- → Are these bars suitable for a dairy-free diet?
A dairy-free version can be made by substituting vegan butter in place of unsalted butter.