Irresistible Vegan & Gluten-Free SunButter Gingerbread Bars: Your Perfect Holiday Treat

Discover the magic of homemade SunButter Gingerbread Bars, a delightful and inclusive recipe crafted to be entirely vegan and gluten-free. Made with a wholesome blend of oat flour, almond flour, and rich molasses, these bars are the epitome of holiday cheer. Serve them warm or chilled, topped with a generous dollop of creamy coconut whip, for a dessert that everyone can enjoy!

There’s something truly special about gingerbread during the holiday season. Its warm, comforting aroma instantly fills any kitchen with festive spirit, making it one of the most beloved and iconic seasonal desserts. The sweet, subtly spicy, and deeply distinct flavor profile of gingerbread is unmistakable, evoking memories of cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations.

Growing up, my mom often baked gingerbread for us, and I have vivid memories of eagerly biting into those fluffy, tender squares, usually dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar. The rich, molasses-infused taste, perfectly balanced with fragrant spices, always felt like a warm hug on a cold winter day. It was a tradition I cherished, and one that always marked the beginning of the festive period.

This particular recipe for SunButter Gingerbread Bars is incredibly special because it takes that classic gingerbread charm and makes it accessible for even more people. It’s crafted to be completely vegan and gluten-free, utilizing a thoughtful combination of nutritious oat flour and almond flour, alongside the signature depth of molasses. This thoughtful approach ensures that these bars are not only delicious but also suitable for various dietary needs, without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s the ideal treat to share with loved ones as we wrap up another year, making new, inclusive traditions.

I recently shared these bars with my friend M, who mentioned that the traditional “gingerbread” flavor isn’t quite as prevalent in Germany as it is elsewhere. It was wonderful to introduce him to this delightful dessert! Whether you prefer to sprinkle them with a touch of shredded coconut, as I did, or stick to the timeless elegance of powdered sugar, these gingerbread bars are a delightful addition to any holiday table. And for an extra touch of decadence, serving them with a light and airy dollop of coconut whip truly elevates them to a sweet, unforgettable dessert, perfect for celebrating the end of the year.

Crafting the Perfect SunButter Gingerbread Bars: Essential Ingredients

When I first ventured into baking gingerbread, I always imagined it required a long list of obscure ingredients. To my pleasant surprise, this recipe proves that you only need a handful of pantry staples to create these incredibly flavorful SunButter Gingerbread Bars. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen, making this recipe both convenient and approachable. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the synergy of these core components.

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that come together to create these moist, spiced, and utterly delicious vegan and gluten-free gingerbread bars:

• Ground Flaxseed: This is our secret weapon for a “flax egg,” acting as a brilliant vegan binder and providing a subtle nutty undertone. It’s a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional eggs.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that offers a caramel-like depth, complementing the molasses beautifully while keeping the recipe refined-sugar-free.
• Organic SunButter: The star ingredient that gives these bars their unique name and an incredible richness. It eliminates the need for any added oil or butter, providing a creamy texture and a delightful nutty flavor.
• Molasses: Essential for that signature dark, rich, and slightly smoky gingerbread flavor and color. It’s what truly defines gingerbread.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Used to achieve the perfect batter consistency, adding moisture without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Ground Ginger: The primary spice, delivering that characteristic warmth and gentle zing that makes gingerbread so iconic.
• Ground Cinnamon: A comforting, sweet spice that rounds out the ginger, adding depth and a classic holiday aroma.
• Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the bars rise beautifully and have a light, fluffy texture.
• Gluten-Free Oat Flour: Provides a tender texture and a slightly wholesome, earthy flavor, making these bars naturally gluten-free.
• Almond Flour: Contributes to the moistness and richness of the bars, adding a delicate crumb and a subtle almond note.

That’s truly it! With these simple, wholesome ingredients, you’re ready to bake a batch of extraordinary gingerbread bars that will impress everyone.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making SunButter Gingerbread Bars

Creating these delightful SunButter Gingerbread Bars is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Following these steps will ensure your bars turn out perfectly spiced, tender, and incredibly moist.

**1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:** First, begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). While the oven heats up, prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish. You can either line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal, or lightly grease the pan with a touch of coconut oil to prevent sticking. This crucial step ensures your gingerbread bars release easily once baked and cooled.

**2. Create the Flax Egg:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with the filtered water to form your flax egg. Give it a good stir and then let it sit undisturbed for approximately 5 minutes. During this time, the flaxseed will absorb the water and thicken, creating a gel-like consistency that perfectly mimics an egg, acting as a binder for our vegan recipe.

**3. Combine Wet Ingredients:** Once your flax egg has gelled, it’s time to add the remaining wet ingredients. Introduce the coconut sugar, SunButter, molasses, and unsweetened almond milk into the bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, for a slightly creamier texture, you can use a hand mixer on a low speed to gently cream the SunButter and coconut sugar before adding the remaining liquids.

The Wonderful Role of SunButter in Your Gingerbread

One of the most innovative and beneficial aspects of this recipe is the incorporation of Organic SunButter. It’s not just an ingredient; it’s a game-changer that allows us to create exceptionally moist and flavorful vegan gingerbread without the need for any added oils or butter.

Sunflower seed butter, like SunButter, brings a natural richness and creaminess to the batter that is unparalleled. Its smooth consistency seamlessly integrates into the mixture, providing moisture and a velvety texture without making the bars greasy. This means you get a decadent result that feels indulgent, yet remains lighter and often healthier than recipes relying on traditional fats. Moreover, for those with nut allergies, SunButter offers a safe and delicious alternative to nut butters, making these gingerbread bars truly inclusive.

Beyond its textural benefits, SunButter also imparts a wonderful, subtly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the deep, earthy notes of molasses and the warm spices of ginger and cinnamon. It adds an extra layer of complexity to the overall taste profile, making each bite more interesting and satisfying. I also love that the Organic SunButter jar often features festive red and green colors, making it perfectly on-theme for holiday baking—a delightful little bonus!

Achieving Perfection: Knowing When Your Vegan Gingerbread is Done

**4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Now it’s time to introduce the dry components into your wet mixture. Add the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, gluten-free oat flour, and almond flour to the bowl.

**5. Mix Until Smooth:** Using your whisk or hand mixer once again, beat the batter until it is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no dry pockets or lumps remaining. The goal is a uniform consistency that will bake evenly and result in a perfectly textured bar. Overmixing can sometimes lead to a tougher texture, so mix just until everything is combined and smooth.

**6. Bake to Perfection:** Carefully pour the smoothly mixed batter into your prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure a consistent thickness across the pan. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Determining when vegan gingerbread is perfectly done is key to achieving that ideal moist yet firm texture. You’ll know your SunButter Gingerbread Bars are ready when the edges begin to slightly pull away or peel from the sides of the dish. Another reliable test is to insert a clean toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your gingerbread is baked through. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars. Trust your senses and these visual cues for the best results!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious SunButter Gingerbread Bars

**7. Cool and Slice:** Once baked, it’s absolutely crucial to allow the baking pan to cool completely on a wire rack before you attempt to slice the gingerbread into bars. This step is vital because, without the binding power of eggs, these vegan gingerbread bars are inherently a little more delicate when warm. Cooling them fully allows them to set, ensuring cleaner, more defined cuts.

For those striving for perfectly clean edges and uniform squares, a helpful trick is to wipe your knife clean between each cut. This prevents crumbs from sticking to the blade and transferring to the next slice, resulting in beautifully presented bars. However, don’t fret if your slices aren’t absolutely perfect; this gingerbread is so delicious, it will be enjoyed thoroughly no matter how it’s sliced!

These SunButter Gingerbread Bars are absolutely perfect to bake and serve as a heartwarming holiday dessert to share with family and friends. Their festive aroma and comforting flavors make them an instant hit at any gathering.

I personally adore mine served chilled, accompanied by a generous dollop of light and creamy coconut whipped cream. The cool, airy cream provides a wonderful contrast to the dense, spicy bar. Because this recipe is thoughtfully crafted to be vegan, gluten-free, and contains no added oil, it’s an ideal treat that caters to a wide range of lifestyles and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at your table can indulge without worry.

Storage Tips

To enjoy these delicious bars throughout the week, store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. For longer storage, you can also freeze the cooled bars in a single layer in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Enjoy every delightful bite!

More Irresistible Vegan Holiday Desserts to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with these SunButter Gingerbread Bars and are looking for more plant-based treats to sweeten your holiday season, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic vegan dessert recipes that are perfect for festive celebrations:

• Vegan Dark Chocolate Swiss Roll

• Sweet Potato Pie Bars

• Pumpkin Pie with Coconola Crust

• Pecan Pie Bars

• Pistachio Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies

• Butternut Squash Pie with Almond Flour Crust

• Vegan Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie

• Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake

• Cinnamon SunButter Star Cookies (Zimtsterne)

• Vegan “Cookie Corners” (Nussecken)

• Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

Share Your Creations: I Want to Hear From You!

If you get a chance to make this wonderful SunButter Gingerbread Bars recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and truly helps me create more delicious and exciting recipes for you.

Please take a moment to leave a comment, a star rating, and a review below so I can learn from your insights and continue to bring you more yummy creations. Seeing your culinary successes makes my day!

Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram! Be sure to use the hashtag #floraandvino when you share photos of your beautiful gingerbread bars. I love seeing your unique spins and presentations.

For more inspiring recipes and ideas, check out my Pinterest page. It’s a great place to pin recipes like this one to your boards so you can easily find them later.

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XO Lauren

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