Sticky Ginger Squares

Recipe by PJ Hamel

These squares boast a thin, chewy gingerbread layer with crystallized ginger, and gingery streusel on top. They got an extremely high rating from both the crew of taste-testers in our customer service department, and the customers at our store. One woman commented that these were "the perfect, perfect holiday treat." Add vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Prep
15 mins
Bake
40 to 45 mins
Total
55 mins
Yield
2 dozen squares
Sticky Ginger Squares - select to zoom
Sticky Ginger Squares - select to zoom
Sticky Ginger Squares - select to zoom

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) a 9" x 13" pan.

  2. To make the squares: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, allspice, salt, baking soda, and crystallized ginger.

  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the molasses, eggs, brown sugar, and butter.

  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, beating until smooth.

  5. Spread the batter in the prepared pan, and set it aside.

  6. To make the streusel topping: Using a pastry blender, electric mixer, or your fingers, mix together the flour, butter, salt, and brown sugar until it's fairly well-blended; some chunks of butter can remain. Mix in the crystallized ginger.

  7. Bake the squares for 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the streusel, and bake an additional 30 minutes, until the streusel is a deep, golden brown.

  8. Remove the squares from the oven, and run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen them. Allow them to cool for 20 minutes, then cut into 2 1/4" squares.