Description
These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars combine the comforting warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy richness of cheesecake in a deliciously easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for holiday gatherings or year-round treats, these bars feature a spiced gingerbread cookie crust topped with a smooth, cinnamon- and ginger-infused cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cheesecake bars.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine the gingerbread cookie crumbs with melted butter and mix well. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the ground spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—until well incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared gingerbread crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly to achieve perfect texture.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the baked cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least three hours or overnight to set fully.
- Serve: Cut the chilled cheesecake into bars and serve. For an extra special touch, garnish with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel if desired.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should still jiggle slightly to maintain a creamy texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars overnight and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream or caramel sauce enhance the flavor but are not necessary.
- Use fresh ground spices for more vibrant flavor.
