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Chewy Gingerbread Lemon Bars

A festive dessert with a spiced gingerbread base and tangy lemon topping, perfect for holidays.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Gingerbread Base
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp cloves optional
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup apple cider
Lemon Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp cream or milk
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with apple cider until smooth.
  5. Spread batter evenly into pan and smooth top.
  6. Bake 18–22 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
  7. Beat butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream, lemon juice, and zest.
  8. Spread lemon filling over cooled base. Chill 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.