Festive Spiced Christmas Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful holiday treat that brings joy with every bite, these Festive Spiced Christmas Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe are exactly what you need. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, coupled with a luscious, smooth frosting, these bars capture the essence of Christmas in each square. Whether served as a cozy afternoon indulgence or a dessert to impress your holiday guests, this recipe balances familiar festive flavors with a moist, tender texture that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try these spiced bars topped with a velvety frosting, they’ll quickly become your seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in harmony to create the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and texture. Each one has a simple but crucial role—like how the cinnamon and ginger bring festive warmth, while the nuts and dried fruit add a lovely crunch and chew that make every bite exciting.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the bars moist.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a light texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just right.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Aids in leavening for a tender texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that screams holiday cheer.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a zesty warmth and depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Delivers a subtle, earthy sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Gives a fragrant and bold spice kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the baked-in flavors.
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – optional: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins – optional: Brings chewy bursts of sweetness and a festive pop of color.
• For the Creamy Frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The smooth base for the luscious frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with a delicate aroma.
• 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed): Adjusts the frosting consistency to silky smoothness.
• A pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

How to Make Festive Spiced Christmas Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal of your bars after baking and helps them keep their perfect shape.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process traps air and creates a tender texture in the finished bars.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that signature warmth and depth to the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. These spices create the festive flavor profile that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to maintain a light, tender crumb in your bars.

Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Dried Fruit

If you’re using chopped nuts and dried cranberries or raisins, now is the time to fold them in. These optional ingredients add wonderful texture and festive pops of color.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you just how close you are!

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key to prevent the frosting from melting and ensures a perfect spread.

Step 9: Make the Creamy Frosting

While the bars cool, prepare your frosting by beating softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 10: Frost and Slice

Once your bars are completely cool, spread the creamy frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and prepare to share these festive, spiced delights with your loved ones.

How to Serve Festive Spiced Christmas Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add a bit of extra holiday sparkle, consider sprinkling a few edible glitter flakes, chopped nuts, or a dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosted bars. A few fresh cranberries or a light drizzle of caramel sauce can also make these bars visually stunning and taste even better.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a warm mug of cocoa topped with whipped cream. Serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat that will wow your guests during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these bars on a festive cake stand lined with holiday-themed napkins for a charming dessert display. Wrapping individual squares in decorative parchment paper and tying them with a ribbon makes an excellent edible gift. You can also arrange them in a pretty tin to deliver your holiday cheer in style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully frosted, place the bars in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to three days. If your environment is warm, refrigerate them to keep the frosting from softening too much. These bars stay moist and flavorful, so leftovers are always a delight.

Freezing

You can freeze uncut, unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving. This allows you to prepare in advance and enjoy your Festive Spiced Christmas Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe whenever the mood strikes!

Reheating

If you prefer your bars slightly warm, gently reheat individual pieces by warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating too long as it may melt the frosting or dry out the bars. Enjoy them just as they are or with a small scoop of ice cream for a cozy winter treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dried cranberries with other fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap cranberries for raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries to suit your taste. Each adds a unique sweetness and texture to the bars.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy these bars without gluten. Just be sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum to maintain the right texture.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter is fine, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. This adjustment helps keep the flavor balanced.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the bars will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.

What’s the best way to get the frosting really creamy?

Be sure your butter is softened to room temperature before beating. Take your time mixing in the powdered sugar gradually and add milk slowly until you achieve a silky smooth, spreadable texture.

Final Thoughts

Nothing quite says holiday magic like the warm spices and creamy frosting of this Festive Spiced Christmas Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor the joyful moments, and share love through baking. Whether this becomes a yearly tradition or a spontaneous treat, I promise these bars will bring smiles and cozy vibes with every bite. So gather your ingredients and start baking—you’re in for a truly festive delight!

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