Ginger Bliss Bars
Experience the delightful fusion of crisp and spice with our Ginger Bliss Bars. A New Zealand classic, these bars feature a buttery, crunchy biscuit base that's enriched with the warm aroma of ginger. Topped with a luscious ginger-infused icing and adorned with crystallized ginger pieces, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for ginger enthusiasts or those new to its charm, this recipe promises to bring a taste of New Zealand tradition to your table with ease.
20
Servings
175
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
125 g (softened for base)
white sugar
125 g (preferably caster sugar)
plain flour
220 g (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (for base)
butter
60 g (chopped for icing)
icing sugar
125 g
golden syrup
1 tablespoon
ground ginger
2 teaspoons (for icing)
crystallized ginger
10 pieces (halved)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking. Grease a shallow baking tin measuring approximately 27cm x 17cm (10 1/2" x 6 1/2") or use a 20cm (8") square tin.
2
In a mixer or food processor, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is smooth and light.
3
Sift in the plain flour, ground ginger, and baking powder. Mix until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. If needed, scrape down the sides to ensure an even mixture.
4
Pour the crumbly mixture into the prepared baking tin. Spread it evenly using your fingers or a fork, pressing down lightly to ensure it holds its shape, but avoid pressing too hard.
5
Bake the biscuit base on the center shelf of your oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it's a light golden brown.
6
While the biscuit base is baking, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the chopped butter, icing sugar, golden syrup, and ground ginger. Stir continuously until all ingredients are melted and the mixture is smooth.
7
As soon as the biscuit base is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot icing over it. Spread the icing evenly with a knife.
8
Cut the crystallized ginger into small pieces and arrange them evenly on top of the icing.
9
While the mixture is still warm, slice it into approximately 20 squares.
10
Allow the bars to cool completely in the tin before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Information
7.5 g
Fat
25 g
Carbs
1.25 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ginger Bliss Bars?
Ginger Bliss Bars are a New Zealand classic dessert featuring a buttery, crunchy biscuit base enriched with ground ginger, topped with ginger-infused icing and crystallized ginger.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the biscuit base.
What size baking tin is required for this recipe?
You should use a shallow baking tin measuring approximately 27cm x 17cm (10 1/2" x 6 1/2") or a 20cm (8") square tin.
How do I prepare the biscuit base mixture?
Cream together softened butter and caster sugar until smooth, then sift in flour, ground ginger, and baking powder, mixing until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
How long should the Ginger Bliss Bars bake?
The biscuit base should bake on the center shelf for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a light golden brown color.
What ingredients are needed for the ginger icing?
The icing requires 60g of chopped butter, 125g of icing sugar, 1 tablespoon of golden syrup, and 2 teaspoons of ground ginger.
When should I apply the icing to the bars?
You should pour the hot icing over the biscuit base immediately after removing it from the oven.
How many bars does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 20 squares.
What is the calorie count for one Ginger Bliss Bar?
Each bar contains approximately 175 calories.
How much fat is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
How much protein is in each Ginger Bliss Bar?
Each bar provides 1.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per bar.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a mixer or a food processor to cream the butter and sugar and combine the dry ingredients.
What is the texture of the base?
The base is designed to be buttery and crunchy, similar to a traditional shortbread or biscuit.
How do I finish the topping?
Cut crystallized ginger into small pieces and arrange them evenly on top of the icing while it is still fresh.
When should I slice the ginger bars?
It is best to slice the mixture into squares while it is still warm.
How should I store the finished Ginger Bliss Bars?
Allow them to cool completely in the tin before transferring them to an airtight container.
What type of ginger is used in the icing?
The icing uses ground ginger for flavor and is topped with crystallized ginger pieces for texture.
How much ground ginger is used in the base?
The base requires 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How much ground ginger is used in the icing?
The icing requires 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, providing a stronger spice profile than the base.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe uses 10 distinct ingredients including butter, sugar, flour, and various forms of ginger.
Is there a specific preparation for the flour?
Yes, the 220g of plain flour should be sifted before being mixed into the base.
What should I do if the base mixture sticks to the sides?
Scrape down the sides of the mixer or food processor to ensure an even mixture of the crumbs.
How much golden syrup is used in the icing?
The icing uses 1 tablespoon of golden syrup.
What type of sugar is best for the base?
Caster sugar is preferred for the base because it blends more easily with the butter.
Do I need to grease the baking tin?
Yes, you should grease the tin to ensure the bars can be easily removed after cooling.
How do I ensure the icing is smooth?
Stir the icing ingredients continuously over low-medium heat until everything is melted and fully combined.
Can I press the base down firmly?
You should press down lightly to ensure it holds its shape, but avoid pressing too hard to maintain the desired texture.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include sweet, ginger, dessert, baking, New Zealand, bar cookie, and easy recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that promises to bring a taste of New Zealand tradition with ease.