Save This silly cake gingerbread house crumble bar recipe transforms the classic holiday gingerbread house into a delicious, easy-to-eat dessert that captures all the festive flavors without the engineering challenges. The combination of spicy gingerbread crumble and soft cake creates a delightful texture contrast that brings holiday cheer to any gathering.
I created these bars for my niece who loved decorating gingerbread houses but always got frustrated when they collapsed. Now our holiday tradition involves decorating these bars instead, with all the fun and none of the structural failures!
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: forms the base of both layers, providing structure while keeping the bars tender
- Dark brown sugar: adds rich molasses notes that enhance the gingerbread flavor
- Ground ginger, cinnamon and cloves: create that classic gingerbread warmth look for fresh spices for best flavor
- Cold butter cut into cubes: creates the perfect crumbly texture in the gingerbread layer
- Granulated sugar: helps create a soft, moist cake layer that contrasts with the crumble
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors use pure extract for best results
- Milk: adds moisture to the cake layer whole milk creates the richest result
- Mini marshmallows, sprinkles and chocolate chips: add whimsy and visual appeal to mimic gingerbread house decorations
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating an overhang on all sides. This step is crucial for easy removal later. Make sure to press the parchment into the corners completely to avoid batter seeping underneath.
- Mix The Gingerbread Crumble:
- Whisk together flour, brown sugar, and all spices until completely combined. The dark brown sugar provides caramel notes that make the gingerbread flavor complex and authentic. Work the cold butter in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand with some larger pea sized pieces. The temperature of the butter matters here cold butter creates distinct crumbs rather than a paste.
- Create The Cake Batter:
- Beat the softened butter and sugar until truly light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender cake. Add eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. The vanilla goes in last to perfume the entire mixture with its warm aroma.
- Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients:
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined as overmixing will develop gluten and make your cake tough. The batter should be smooth but still somewhat thick, similar to a thick pancake batter.
- Layer The Components:
- Spread the cake batter evenly in your prepared pan, using an offset spatula to create a level surface. Sprinkle half the gingerbread crumble over the cake layer, distributing it evenly. This creates pockets of spiced goodness throughout the bars.
- Add The Silly Decorations:
- Scatter your marshmallows, sprinkles and chocolate chips over the crumble layer. Distribute them evenly but with some randomness to create that playful gingerbread house look. The marshmallows will puff and lightly toast in the oven, adding another texture dimension.
- Top With Remaining Crumble:
- Sprinkle the remaining gingerbread crumble over everything, allowing some decorations to peek through. This final layer will bake into a crunchy, spiced topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Bake in your preheated oven for 33 to 37 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan when done.
Save The ground ginger is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that freshly ground ginger makes an incredible difference in the flavor profile. My grandmother taught me to toast whole ginger pieces in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before grinding them for an even more aromatic result.
Storage Tips
These bars stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the spices meld together. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap then stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Creative Variations
The beauty of these bars is how adaptable they are to different seasons and preferences. For spring, swap the gingerbread spices for lemon zest and use pastel sprinkles. Summer calls for cinnamon and fresh berries instead of chocolate chips. Fall is perfect for adding pumpkin spice to the crumble mixture. Winter holidays are ideal for the classic recipe with a drizzle of white chocolate to mimic snow.
Serving Suggestions
Warm a bar slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. Cut into smaller pieces and arrange on a platter with other holiday cookies for a festive dessert board. Package individual bars in cellophane with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts. Serve alongside hot chocolate or spiced cider for the ultimate winter treat.
The History Behind The Bars
These bars were inspired by the German tradition of Lebkuchenhaus, the gingerbread house that became popularized after the Brothers Grimm published Hansel and Gretel. Traditional gingerbread houses are beautiful but challenging to construct. This recipe captures all those beloved flavors in a much more approachable format, making it possible to enjoy gingerbread house flavors without architectural skills.
Save Enjoy these delightful crumble bars.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect crumbly topping?
Use cold butter and blend into dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Avoid overmixing for best texture.
- → Can the topping and decorations be customized?
Yes, you can swap sprinkles, marshmallows, and chocolate chips for your favorite candies or nuts to suit the occasion.
- → Is it necessary to use both ginger and cinnamon?
These spices create the classic gingerbread profile. For a milder flavor, you may reduce the amounts, but both add warmth and depth.
- → What’s the best way to slice clean bars?
Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment and cut with a sharp, clean knife for neat edges.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- → Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and bake the bars a day in advance, then store airtight until ready to serve for best freshness.