Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe

A Cozy, Festive Dessert for Holiday Gatherings

Christmas brings along with it the excitement of sweet treats, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars? These bars combine the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy richness of cheesecake, making them a festive favorite for any holiday gathering. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these cheesecake bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are made with a spiced gingerbread crust that gives way to a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. Topped with a hint of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel, this dessert is a delightful treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or need a dessert to bring to a family dinner, these bars will not disappoint.

What Are Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?

These Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a holiday twist on traditional cheesecake, offering a perfect balance of rich creaminess and warm spices. The base is a crisp, cinnamon-scented gingerbread crust, while the filling is a smooth cream cheese batter infused with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses. The result is a decadent dessert that’s festive enough to impress your guests but simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen.

The gingerbread crust adds the perfect amount of crunch to contrast with the velvety filling. And with minimal effort, you get a dessert that looks as elegant as it tastes. These bars are also easy to cut into squares, making them ideal for serving at parties or gatherings.

The Origin of Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

The gingerbread flavor has been a staple in holiday baking for centuries, originating in Europe. It is often associated with Christmas due to its warm, comforting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The tradition of gingerbread men and houses also dates back to medieval Europe, where gingerbread was used to create intricate shapes for both festive and ceremonial purposes.

Cheesecake, on the other hand, has a long and varied history, originating in ancient Greece and evolving over time to become a beloved dessert worldwide. By combining these two classic desserts, Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars offer a fresh take on the traditional cheesecake while capturing the essence of holiday flavors.

Ingredients for Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

For the Gingerbread Crust

• 2 cups (about 250 g) gingersnap cookie crumbs (or crushed gingerbread cookies)
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) molasses (unsulfured or dark)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or heavy cream

Optional Toppings

• Whipped cream or sweetened sour cream topping
• Crushed gingersnaps or mini gingerbread men for garnish
• Drizzle of caramel sauce or white chocolate

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

1. Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re done.

2. Make the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gingersnap crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger.
2. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture is evenly moistened.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then allow it to cool slightly.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer), beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses, and beat until creamy and well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Blend until smooth.
5. Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream until the mixture is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Bake the Bars

1. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the bars cool in the oven for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
5. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight for best results.

5. Cut and Decorate

1. Once the bars are fully chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Slice into squares using a clean, sharp knife. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices.
3. Garnish with whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps, mini gingerbread men, or a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate.

Variations of Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

1. Add Orange Zest

For an extra festive touch, you can add a bit of orange zest to the cheesecake filling. The citrus adds a fresh, bright flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the gingerbread crust.

2. Alcohol-Infused Crust

Brush the gingerbread crust with a bit of rum or bourbon before adding the cheesecake filling for an adult twist on this holiday treat.

3. Chocolate Drizzle

If you love chocolate, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a rich and indulgent finish.

4. Mini Gingerbread Men Garnish

For a fun, decorative touch, top each square with a mini gingerbread man cookie or sprinkle some crushed gingersnaps on top.

FAQs About Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead. They need to be refrigerated for at least 3–4 hours to set, but they can easily be made a day or two before your event.

2. How do I store the bars?
Once refrigerated, store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; just be sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.

3. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
While gingersnaps provide the perfect spiced flavor for this recipe, you can substitute them with digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or even speculoos cookies if you prefer.

4. What should I do if the center of my bars doesn’t set?
If the center of your cheesecake bars doesn’t set after the recommended baking time, return the bars to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, checking the center every few minutes.

Conclusion: Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert that combines the beloved flavors of gingerbread with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. These bars are not only delicious but also easy to make and serve, making them perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy dessert at home, these cheesecake bars will surely be a hit. Don’t forget to add your own twist with toppings or variations to make them truly your own. Enjoy the warmth, sweetness, and holiday spirit that these bars bring to your table!

Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe

---

• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a holiday twist on traditional cheesecake, offering a perfect balance of rich creaminess and warm spices. The base is a crisp, cinnamon-scented gingerbread crust, while the filling is a smooth cream cheese batter infused with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses. The result is a decadent dessert that’s festive enough to impress your guests but simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Gingerbread Crust

• 2 cups (about 250 g) gingersnap cookie crumbs (or crushed gingerbread cookies)

• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (60 ml) molasses (unsulfured or dark)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ⅛ tsp ground cloves

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or heavy cream

Optional Toppings

• Whipped cream or sweetened sour cream topping

• Crushed gingersnaps or mini gingerbread men for garnish

• Drizzle of caramel sauce or white chocolate

---

Instructions

1. Prep the Pan

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

• Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting.

---

2. Make the Crust

1. In a bowl, mix gingersnap crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger.

2. Add melted butter and stir until evenly moistened.

3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.

---

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

2. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses; beat until creamy.

3. Mix in eggs, one at a time, just until combined.

4. Add vanilla, spices, salt, and sour cream; blend until smooth (don’t overmix).

---

4. Bake the Bars

1. Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and spread evenly.

2. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.

3. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let sit for 15 minutes.

4. Remove, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (overnight is best).

---

5. Cut & Decorate

1. Lift the chilled cheesecake out using parchment overhang.

2. Slice into squares using a clean, sharp knife (wipe between cuts).

3. Top with whipped cream, cookie crumbs, or mini gingerbread men.

Notes

These Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars bring together the cozy warmth of gingerbread and the creamy richness of cheesecake. For a festive finish, top them with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or crushed ginger snaps before serving!

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 310

Keywords: Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, Holiday Gingerbread Bars, Festive Cheesecake Bars, Gingerbread Dessert Bars, Christmas Dessert Bars