These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are the perfect holiday treat that combines a rich and creamy cheesecake layer with spiced gingerbread cookie crust. They are an ideal dessert for gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will impress family and friends. With their festive appeal and ease of preparation, these bars are great for sharing during the holidays or at any festive occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These bars are simpler to prepare than a traditional cheesecake, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The spicy notes of gingerbread paired with creamy cheesecake create a unique and delicious dessert experience.
- Perfect for Sharing: Their bar format makes them easy to cut and serve, perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Festive Presentation: Top with tiny gingerbread men or whipped cream for an adorable touch that enhances their holiday charm.
- Versatile Dessert: Suitable for various occasions beyond Christmas, these bars can be enjoyed all winter long.
Tools and Preparation
To bake these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without making a mess. They come in various sizes to suit different mixing needs.
- Electric mixer: A must-have for achieving a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling quickly and effortlessly.
- 9×13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for this recipe, allowing even cooking and easy serving of the bars.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
Ingredients
To make these delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, gather the following ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks; 220g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup (170g) unsulphured molasses
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 4 (8-ounce) packages full-fat block cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup (114g) sour cream (room temperature)
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This will help you lift out the bars easily after baking.
Step 2: Make the Gingerbread Base
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Spread this gingerbread mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Gingerbread Base
Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until just set but not fully cooked through. Remove from oven and set aside while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add in the packed light brown sugar followed by sour cream. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed, making sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next one.
- Stir in vanilla bean paste or extract, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Layers
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the partially baked gingerbread base in your pan.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars!
How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dessert presentation.
Festive Garnishes
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the cheesecake.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for a sweet and sticky addition that enhances the flavors.
- Crushed Ginger Snap Cookies – Sprinkle crushed ginger snap cookies on top for added crunch and extra spice.
Pair with Beverages
- Spiced Apple Cider – Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside for a cozy autumn pairing.
- Hot Chocolate – A rich cup of hot chocolate makes for a comforting drink that balances the spice of the bars.
- Herbal Tea – Choose a soothing herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, to cleanse the palate.
Creative Plating
- Layered Dessert Cups – Create individual servings in glass cups by layering crumbled gingerbread bars with cheesecake filling.
- Mini Gingerbread Men – Top each bar with a mini gingerbread man for an adorable festive touch.
How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Creating the perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out great every time.
- Chill Ingredients – Make sure all dairy products are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use Fresh Spices – Opt for fresh ground spices instead of pre-ground ones for better flavor intensity.
- Avoid Overmixing – Mix your batter until just combined to prevent incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks in the cheesecake layer.
- Cool Gradually – After baking, let the bars cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
- Refrigerate Overnight – For best results, refrigerate your bars overnight before slicing. This allows flavors to meld and sets the cheesecake layer perfectly.
- Cut with a Warm Knife – Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing. This will give you cleaner cuts without crumbling the bars.
Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
To complement your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, consider serving them alongside these delightful side dishes. Each option pairs beautifully and enhances the overall dessert experience.
- Spiced Pear Compote – A warm compote made from poached pears spiced with cinnamon brings a fruity contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a classic pairing that balances the bars’ richness.
- Candied Nuts – Sweet and crunchy candied nuts add texture and flavor contrast that works well with cheesecake.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits provides freshness and a pop of color on your plate.
- Chocolate Drizzle Brownies – Fudgy brownies drizzled with chocolate sauce create a decadent duo when served together.
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Soft pumpkin muffins introduce warm spices, making them ideal companions during fall festivities.
- Maple Pecan Granola – Crunchy granola sprinkled on top adds an exciting texture while enhancing flavors with its maple sweetness.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Crispy tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon sugar offer a fun twist for dipping into any leftover toppings like whipped cream or fruit compote.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars can be delightful, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined to keep your bars light and creamy.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold cream cheese or eggs can cause lumps. Always let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the bars to chill properly can affect their texture and flavor. Be sure to refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best outcome.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Using an oven that’s too hot can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Forgetting to line the pan: This makes removing the bars difficult and messy. Use parchment paper to line your baking pan for easy lifting and cleanup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Keeps your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars fresh.
- Consume within 5 days: Enjoy them while they’re at their best.
Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap: Prevent freezer burn by ensuring they are well-sealed.
- Freeze for up to 3 months: These bars hold up well in the freezer, making them great for future treats.
Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warmed through; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars so special?
These bars combine rich cheesecake with spiced gingerbread, creating a unique dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
Can I substitute any ingredients in Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! You can use alternative sweeteners or dairy-free options based on your preferences.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
To minimize cracks, bake at a lower temperature and avoid overmixing your batter.
Can I make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are great when made ahead. Just store them properly as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or spices to suit your taste. Try this recipe today; it’s bound to become a holiday favorite!
Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the festive delight of Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, a luscious treat that perfectly marries creamy cheesecake with a spiced gingerbread crust. These bars are an ideal holiday dessert, boasting an inviting flavor profile that will captivate your family and friends. Perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings, they can be easily cut into squares for convenience. With a beautiful presentation, these bars are enhanced by simple garnishes like whipped cream or caramel drizzle, making them not just delicious but visually appealing as well. Enjoy them throughout the winter season for a delightful sweet experience!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks; 220g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup (170g) unsulphured molasses
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 (8-ounce) packages full-fat block cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup (114g) sour cream (room temperature)
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- For the gingerbread layer: Cream together softened butter and light brown sugar, then mix in molasses, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour with salt and spices; combine with wet ingredients and spread into the pan.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until set but not fully cooked.
- For the cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth, adding brown sugar, sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla paste, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the gingerbread base and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (62g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg