These Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake Bars are fluffy, spicy, and sweet.
If you’re gluten-free, looking out over the holiday dessert table can be torture. Cookies, cakes, breads, pies are all usually out of reach. And what would the holidays be without treats? But we have really, really good news for you. These gluten-free gingerbread cake bars are kind of a game changer. They have everything you love about traditional gingerbread desserts—warm spices, a rich molasses flavor—but in a soft, fluffy, cake-like bar topped with decadent cream cheese frosting. They’re naturally gluten-free, thanks to the oat flour, so everyone at the table can enjoy them without having to miss out on the fun holiday vibes.
Whether you need an easy recipe to bring to the office potluck or a family party, or maybe you just want to indulge in some holiday goodness for your own satisfaction, trust me: These bars are going to take the cake (pun intended).
Are These Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake Bars Healthy?
There’s good for you, and there’s food for your soul. And these cake bars definitely fall into the latter category. With a fair amount of carbs, fats, and sugar in this recipe, it’s best to reserve your gingerbread cake bars for the occasional holiday treat. But that’s what the holidays are all about, so enjoy!
What Is Kefir?
You’ll notice this recipe uses vanilla kefir. If that’s a new-to-you ingredient, I can explain. Kefir is a fermented dairy drink that’s similar to yogurt. You can drink kefir as-is, add it to smoothies, or bake with it. It’s made by adding kefir grains (which are not actual grains (they’re little clusters of good bacteria and yeast) to milk. These grains ferment the milk and turn it into something that’s slightly tangy and packed with good-for-you probiotics, similar, again, to yogurt. Kefir has more probiotics than regular yogurt, however. Those powerful probiotics are great for gut health and are also thought to benefit the immune system.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Once the gingerbread cake is cool, put it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for 5-6 days. You can also place the bars in a cake-keeper to keep them fresh. The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure the slices are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil before you place them in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
Try pairing your slice of cake with a cup of warm apple cider. It’s festive and tasty, plus the sweet, tart flavors of the cider will contrast with the spicy, rich flavors of the cake.
When you’re ready to really wow everyone with a holiday dessert spread worthy of praise, try whipping up a batch of Eggless Sugar Cookies, Paleo and gluten-free Gingerbread Cookies, and Whole Wheat Spritz Cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour 160 grams
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vanilla kefir
- 6 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 4 1/2 tablespoons molasses
- 4 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- Nonstick spray
For the frosting:
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, spraying the sides with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, spices, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk all the other ingredients except the frosting ingredients.
- Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet until well combined and pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-28 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Once cool, use an electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add in the vanilla and beat until combined.
- Add in the icing sugar a little bit at a time while beating until well mixed.
- Spread over the cake and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon (if desired).
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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