Whole Wheat Spice Bars with Maple-Cream Icing

    Molasses, cinnamon, and ginger add rich flavor to these simple dessert bars. They're great for a potluck or work party.

    By
    BHG Test Kitchen
    BHG Test Kitchen

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    Updated on June 9, 2021
    Whole Wheat Spice Bars with Maple-Cream Icing
    Photo: Peter Krumhardt
    Prep Time:
    20 mins
    Bake Time:
    20 mins
    Total Time:
    20 mins
    Yield:
    32 bars

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup butter, softened

    • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

    • 1 teaspoon baking powder

    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    • ½ cup molasses

    • ½ cup water

    • 2 eggs

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour

    • 1 cup whole wheat flour

    Maple-Cream Icing

    • ⅓ cup dairy sour cream

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    • ½ teaspoon maple flavoring

    • 3 cup powdered sugar

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and salt; beat until combined.

    2. Add molasses, the water, and eggs; beat until well mixed. Beat in all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.

    3. Spoon batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.

    4. While bars are cooling, prepare Maple-Cream Icing. Spoon icing over uncut bars; spread evenly. Let stand until set. Cut into bars. Makes 32 bars.

    Maple-Cream Icing

    1. In a medium bowl, stir together dairy sour cream, vanilla, and maple flavoring. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.