I have a fond appreciation for ginger. I’ve learned to love bourbon thanks to a little mixer known as ginger beer and I’ve started storing fresh ginger in the freezer so that I always have it on hand to add to recipes. When I saw the recipe for ginger bars in Women’s Day magazine, I knew I had to make them. As expected, these packed quite a ginger bunch, thanks to a hefty dose of both ground and candied ginger.
I like to think these were “healthy”, made with whole-wheat flour and ground flax…and on the scale of baked goods, these definitely fall on the less indulgent side. You would honestly never guess—the brown sugar makes these extra chewy and completely eliminates the heaviness sometimes found in baked goods made with whole wheat. I finished off my package of candied ginger making these, but I plan to buy more ASAP because I know the craving for these will strike again! Next time, I’ll eat ‘em with a ginger beer & bourbon concoction for the ultimate ginger fix.
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Ginger Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Chewy and flavorful ginger bars made with whole wheat flour and candied ginger, offering a delightful ginger punch in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) (60 g) butter
- 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (90 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup (30 g) flaxseed meal
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (85 g) chopped candied ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and mix in the brown sugar until well combined.
- Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, flaxseed meal, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped candied ginger.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger ginger flavor, pair with a ginger beer and bourbon drink.
- Candied ginger can be found in the baking aisle or specialty spice shops.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 20
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this recipe use both ground and candied ginger?
The article explains that the double ginger — 2 tsp ground ginger in the dry ingredients plus 1/2 cup of chopped candied ginger folded in at the end — delivers a “hefty ginger punch.” Ground ginger provides even spice throughout the bar, while the candied pieces add chewy, intensely flavored bursts in every bite.
How does whole wheat flour and flaxseed meal affect the texture?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup flaxseed meal in place of plain white flour. The article notes that the dark brown sugar makes the bars extra chewy and completely eliminates the heaviness that whole wheat can sometimes add to baked goods — so the texture stays satisfyingly fudgy rather than dense.
Where can I find candied ginger?
The notes say candied ginger can be found in the baking aisle or specialty spice shops. The article mentions finishing off a whole package making this recipe, so plan to buy more if you’re a ginger fan.
