My first introduction to “gingerbread” was the cute crisp gingerbread men cookies decorated with cinnamon candies and white icing we are all so familiar with. Few of those were homemade, and none ever did much for me. So I really never much thought of gingerbread as a favorite part of my holiday season. Those cookies sure are cute, but not much in the flavor department.

But then I discovered, deep, dark, cakey, traditional gingerbread and I was hooked. The warm spices of gingerbread are now a true holiday favorite for me. I love the way gingerbread smells, while the batter is being stirred up and as the gingerbread bakes. The combination of spices and the rich, deep molasses are immediately homey and comforting. These bars are a fun way to share the classically holiday flavors of gingerbread at any party or gathering. The sweet and tangy buttermilk glaze adds an extra layer of lovely.

Gingerbread Brownies with Buttermilk Glaze

2014-12-03 17:18:51

Serves 16

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For the Brownies

1. 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup packed light brown sugar
3. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5. ½ teaspoon baking powder
6. ½ teaspoon salt
7. ½ teaspoon ground cloves
8. ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
9. ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
10. 2 large eggs
11. 1/3 cup molasses
12. ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled

For the Glaze

1. 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar
2. 3 Tablespoons buttermilk
3. ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 8 by 8 inch brownie pan with non-stick foil or parchment.
2. Mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder salt and spices together in a large bowl. Use a fork to combine everything and break up any lumps of brown sugar.
3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, molasses and melted butter until thoroughly combined. Add to the dry ingredients and stir together until everything is incorporated and there are no dry ingredients visible. The molasses is thick, so this will take a little effort.
4. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and use lightly moistened fingers to press it out to the edges and smooth the top. Bake for 20 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
5. Cool the brownies in the pan.

For the Glaze

1. While the bars are cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients, making sure there are no lumps. Spread the glaze over the baked bars and leave to set, at least 15 minutes. Lift the brownies out of the pan using the foil or parchment. Cut into bars.

By The Runaway Spoon

The Runaway Spoon https://therunawayspoon.com/