Gingerbread Bars With Cream Cheese Icing

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"These gingerbread bars, topped with a sweet cream cheese icing, will be a dessert or tea-time favorite during the holidays,"

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 27

ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar, divided
• 1 egg
• 1⁄3 cup molasses
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F Line 13x9-inch baking pan wiht foil, Spray foil with non stick cooking spray. Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. Beat butter and 3/4 cup sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg until well blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture until well mixed. Stir in molasses and water just until blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
3. Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until smooth, Beat in remaining 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until smooth, Reserve 1/2 cup of the icing; refrigerate remaining icing,. Spoon dollops (about 1 teaspoons each) of the reserved icing over batter in pan. With knife or spatula, swirl icing through batter to marbleize.
4. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, Cool in pan 15 minutes. Lift out of pan using foil. Cool completely on wire rack. Invert and peel off foil, Spread refrigerated icing over bar, Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.