Spiced Molasses Coffee Cake Bars 🌟

Introduction

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on creating the perfect Molasses Cake Bars, a dessert that encapsulates warmth, richness, and nostalgia in every bite. This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, is a celebration of classic baking with a twist—combining the deep, complex flavors of molasses with the comforting texture of bar cookies. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or an afternoon treat, these bars are sure to impress with their moist crumb, spicy aromatic profile, and versatility. The recipe emphasizes simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and tips for customizing sweetness and flavor intensity, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels seeking to craft an authentic, satisfying dessert.

Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

The relatively quick turnaround makes this recipe ideal for last-minute dessert needs or when you crave a warm, homemade treat without a lengthy baking process. The entire process from start to finish, including cooling and optional finishing touches, is streamlined for efficiency while maintaining quality and flavor depth.

Needed Equipment

To ensure a smooth baking experience, gather the following equipment:

• Oven (standard home oven capable of maintaining 350°F or 175°C)
• 9×13-inch baking pan (preferably metal for even heat distribution)
• Mixing bowls (preferably two, for dry and wet ingredients)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for precise measurement)
• Electric hand or stand mixer (optional, but recommended for creaming)
• Whisk or spoon (for mixing dry ingredients)
• Rubber spatula (for scraping batter into the pan)
• Cooling rack (to cool the bars evenly)
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for dry ingredients)
• Knife or pizza cutter (for slicing the baked bars)
• Pastry brush or sifter (for dusting with confectioners’ sugar)

The presence of quality baking equipment ensures uniform baking, easy handling, and professional results, elevating your baking experience from novice to expert level.

Tags

Sweet, Dessert, Bars, Cookie Bars, Molasses, Spicy, Quick & Easy, Baking, Family Favorite, Holiday Baking, Comfort Food

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 24 generous bars, ideal for sharing or enjoying over several days. Each serving is approximately one bar, though you can customize the size based on preference and occasion.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. While the steps involved are straightforward, attention to detail—such as proper creaming, accurate measuring, and oven timing—ensures optimal texture and flavor. Bakers new to bar cookies will find this a manageable yet rewarding project, especially with the detailed instructions and tips provided here.

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities. For dairy-free or gluten-free modifications, consult alternative ingredients or specialized products.

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian. The recipe contains no meat or fish products. To adapt for vegan diets, substitute the egg with a plant-based alternative such as flaxseed meal or commercial egg replacer, and ensure the shortening is plant-based.

Course

Dessert, Snack, Tea Time

Cuisine

American, Comfort Food, Holiday Baking

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities and Descriptions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches this temperature before baking. Proper preheating guarantees even heat distribution, which is crucial for consistent baking results. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9×13-inch metal baking pan thoroughly with butter, shortening, or non-stick spray. For added ease of removal and presentation, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides to lift out the bars effortlessly once baked. This technique prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup, especially if you plan to cut the bars into neat squares or rectangles.

Step 2: Creaming Shortening and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening and sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients until the mixture is fluffy, light, and slightly increased in volume. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the fat and sugar, which helps produce a tender crumb and light texture in the final product. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing. The mixture should be pale, smooth, and free of lumps, indicating that the sugar has dissolved and the fat is well incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporating Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg to the creamed mixture. Beat on low to medium speed until the egg is fully integrated, creating a uniform, emulsified batter. The egg acts as a binder, providing structure and moisture. Then, pour in the very strong coffee or water, followed by the molasses. Molasses imparts the signature deep, rich flavor and moistness to the bars. Mix everything thoroughly until the batter appears uniform, slightly glossy, and smooth. This step is critical for evenly distributing flavors and ensuring a cohesive batter.

Step 4: Sifting Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Sifting not only combines ingredients uniformly but also aerates the flour, resulting in lighter, more tender bars. Use a fine mesh sieve or sifter, tapping it gently to pass the dry ingredients into a bowl. Discard any lumps or clumps that remain. This step is essential to prevent dense spots or uneven rising in the baked bars.

Step 5: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture in small portions. Using a spatula or low-speed mixer, fold or mix until just combined after each addition. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to tougher bars. Mix until the batter is smooth, homogeneous, and free from streaks of flour. The batter should be thick but pourable, with a rich, dark color and a fragrant aroma of spices and molasses.

Step 6: Baking the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles and settle the batter. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. During baking, the bars will rise slightly, and the edges will turn firm and lightly golden. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter clinging, the bars are ready. Overbaking can dry out the bars, so keep a close eye toward the end of the baking time.

Step 7: Cooling and Finishing

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This prevents cracking and makes slicing easier. For a polished presentation, dust the warm bars generously with confectioners’ sugar using a fine sieve or sifter. Alternatively, for a more decadent finish, drizzle with a glaze or icing made from powdered sugar and milk or cream. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares or bars with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Cutting while still warm may cause crumbling, so patience yields cleaner slices.

Preparation Tips

• Use high-quality molasses: Dark, unsulphured molasses offers a richer, more robust flavor that complements the spices.
• Strong coffee: Brew a strong batch of coffee to intensify the flavor; it adds moisture and depth to the batter.
• Room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and liquids to reach room temperature for better emulsification and mixing.
• Measuring flour: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife to prevent overpacking, which can make the bars dense.
• Prevent sticking: Use parchment paper lining to facilitate easy removal and cleanup.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Tips and Tricks

• Enhance flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger for extra depth.
• Spice variations: Incorporate nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for a personalized spicy profile.
• Moisture boost: Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruits such as raisins or chopped pecans for texture and flavor.
• Textural contrast: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
• Presentation: Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon for an attractive finish.

Add-ons

• Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates)
• Chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist
• Caramel drizzle or icing

Side Dishes

Pair these molasses cake bars with:

• Fresh fruit slices (apples, pears)
• Vanilla or cinnamon-flavored yogurt
• Hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or spiced cider
• Ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent dessert

Improvements

For an elevated version, consider:

• Adding a layer of cream cheese frosting or caramel glaze
• Incorporating a swirl of fruit preserves or jam before baking
• Using browned butter instead of shortening for a nutty aroma
• Omitting the confectioners’ sugar dusting for a more rustic look

Save and Store

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven. Keep moisture in check by using an airtight container to prevent the bars from becoming stale or dry.

FAQ

Can I use honey instead of molasses?

While honey can be a substitute, it lacks the depth and robustness of molasses. If used, reduce the sugar slightly to balance sweetness and expect a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes. Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes). Use vegan shortening or coconut oil, and ensure the molasses does not contain additives derived from animal products.

Is there a gluten-free alternative?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, ensuring to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for ratios and additional binding agents if necessary.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of baking Molasses Cake Bars offers an opportunity to indulge in a time-honored, flavorful dessert that balances spice, sweetness, and moistness perfectly. This recipe, curated for Love With Recipes, emphasizes clarity, precision, and adaptability, empowering bakers to customize and elevate the classic bar cookie. Whether enjoyed as a comforting snack, a festive holiday treat, or a sweet ending to a hearty meal, these bars are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Remember, the key to the best results lies in quality ingredients, careful mixing, and patience during cooling. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and delight in creating these irresistible Molasses Cake Bars that promise warmth and happiness in every bite.

References

• King Arthur Baking Company. “Molasses Cookies and Bars.” (2020). Available at: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/molasses-cookies
• The Spruce Eats. “Best Molasses Recipes.” (2021). Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-molasses-recipes-4178494