WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Welcome to the holiday season with a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of gingerbread with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake – Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars! These bars are the perfect dessert to enjoy during festive gatherings, or simply to treat yourself to a taste of the holidays. With a buttery gingerbread crust and a luscious cheesecake filling, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

Why Youll Love This Recipe

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a wonderful fusion of two classic desserts – gingerbread and cheesecake. The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in the gingerbread crust beautifully complement the rich and creamy cheesecake layer. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly decadent yet comforting treat that is perfect for the holiday season.

Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

– **Gingersnap Cookies**: Crushed gingersnap cookies form the base of the gingerbread crust, providing a crunchy and flavorful foundation for the bars.

– **Butter**: Melted butter binds the crust together and adds richness to the gingerbread flavor.

– **Cream Cheese**: Cream cheese is the star of the cheesecake layer, lending a smooth and creamy texture to the bars.

– **Sugar**: Both brown sugar and granulated sugar add sweetness to the crust and cheesecake filling.

– **Spices**: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves infuse the bars with the warm and aromatic flavors of traditional gingerbread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix crushed gingersnap cookies, melted butter, brown sugar, and spices until well combined.

3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.

{image_2}

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices until smooth.

2. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the gingerbread crust in the baking dish.

{image_3}

Step 3: Bake and Cool

1. Bake the bars for about 30 minutes or until the cheesecake is set.

2. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for a few hours to chill and set.

3. Cut into bars and serve chilled.

Tips & Tricks

– For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies on top of the cheesecake layer before baking.

– To easily cut clean bars, chill the bars in the refrigerator before slicing.

– Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a finishing touch.

Health and Nutrition Highlights

While these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a decadent treat, you can make them a bit lighter by using reduced-fat cream cheese and cutting back on the sugar in the recipe. Additionally, the spices in the gingerbread crust offer some health benefits, as ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Store any leftover Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Can I use store-bought gingerbread cookies for the crust?**

Yes, you can substitute store-bought gingerbread cookies for the gingersnap cookies in the crust for added convenience.

**Can I make these bars ahead of time?**

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a delightful holiday dessert that brings together the best of both worlds – the spicy warmth of gingerbread and the creamy decadence of cheesecake. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to spread joy and holiday cheer with every bite. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the magic of the season with these delicious bars!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars that perfectly blend the spicy warmth of gingerbread with creamy cheesecake goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are not only delicious but also simple to make, making them a must-try from simpleeats. GingerbreadBars Cheesecake HolidayDessert FestiveTreats EasyRecipes BakingJoy Yummy

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

For the Gingerbread Crust:

1 cups gingerbread cookie crumbs (about 15-20 cookies)

cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

cup granulated sugar

cup brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

teaspoon ground nutmeg

teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

cup whipped cream (for serving)

Crushed gingerbread cookies (for garnish)

Optional: caramel sauce or chocolate drizzle

Instructions

 

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325F (160C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.

Make the Gingerbread Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the gingerbread cookie crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.

Adding the Eggs and Spices:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the filling is silky and well blended.

Bake the Cheesecake Bars:

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled gingerbread crust in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools).

Cool and Chill:

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.

Serve:

Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares. Serve each bar topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies, and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 16 bars

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?