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
For the Gingerbread Crust
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2 cups (about 250 g) gingersnap cookie crumbs (or crushed gingerbread cookies)
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¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground ginger
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6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
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16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (60 ml) molasses (unsulfured or dark)
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1½ tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp ground ginger
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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⅛ tsp ground cloves
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Pinch of salt
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¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or heavy cream
Optional Toppings
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Whipped cream or sweetened sour cream topping
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Crushed gingersnaps or mini gingerbread men for garnish
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Drizzle of caramel sauce or white chocolate
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
2. Make the Crust
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In a bowl, mix gingersnap crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger.
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Add melted butter and stir until evenly moistened.
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Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
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Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses; beat until creamy.
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Mix in eggs, one at a time, just until combined.
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Add vanilla, spices, salt, and sour cream; blend until smooth (don’t overmix).
4. Bake the Bars
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Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and spread evenly.
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Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
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Turn off oven, crack door open, and let sit for 15 minutes.
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Remove, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (overnight is best).
5. Cut & Decorate
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Lift the chilled cheesecake out using parchment overhang.
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Slice into squares using a clean, sharp knife (wipe between cuts).
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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