These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines a rich, spiced gingerbread cookie base with creamy cheesecake on top. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, they bring warmth and festive cheer to any occasion. Their unique flavor profile and adorable decorations make them a standout dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: These bars are simpler to make than a traditional cheesecake, allowing you to enjoy delicious results without the fuss.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Rich Flavor Combination: The blend of spicy gingerbread with the smoothness of cheesecake creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Decoration: Top with little gingerbread men or festive sprinkles for an extra fun touch that kids and adults will love!
- Make Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made in advance, allowing you to save time during busy holiday preparations.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
- Electric mixer: Makes blending cream cheese and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth cheesecake texture.
- 9×13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for these bars, allowing them to bake evenly and cut easily into squares.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, gather the following ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Base
- 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: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Gingerbread Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and light brown sugar. Beat until creamy.
- Add molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully blended.
- Spread the gingerbread mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Gingerbread Layer
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until set but slightly soft in the center. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add granulated sugar and light brown sugar; mix until fluffy.
- Add sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla bean paste or extract, lemon juice, and salt; mix until creamy.
Step 5: Combine Layers and Bake Again
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled gingerbread base in the pan. Smooth it out gently with a spatula.
Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature!
Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars during this festive season!
How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
These delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.
Festive Plate Presentation
- Arrange the bars on a decorative platter for a festive look.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon to add a touch of elegance.
With Whipped Cream
- Serve each bar with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- This adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich cheesecake and spiced gingerbread.
Topped with Gingerbread Men
- Decorate each bar with mini gingerbread men cookies.
- This fun addition makes them visually appealing and adds extra ginger flavor.
Accompanied by Hot Beverages
- Pair these bars with hot cider or cocoa.
- The warmth complements the spices and creates a cozy dessert experience.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include them in a dessert platter with other holiday treats.
- Combine them with cookies, chocolates, and fruits for variety.
How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and eggs to sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother consistency.
Measure accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors and textures in your bars.
Avoid overmixing: Mix the cheesecake filling until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks during baking.
Check doneness carefully: Bake until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools, preventing overbaking.
Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the bars.
Apple Crisp: Warm apple crisp provides a delightful texture contrast while complementing the spices in the cheesecake bars.
Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup offers warmth and depth, making it an excellent starter before indulging in dessert.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the bars, creating an enjoyable tasting experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Lighten up your dessert table with a refreshing fruit salad that provides natural sweetness and acidity.
Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and flavor, creating an inviting mix alongside the rich cheesecake bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and even the best recipes can fall flat if certain mistakes are made. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars.
Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to a lumpy filling. Always allow these ingredients to reach room temperature for a smooth texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding eggs can incorporate excess air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake bars. Mix just until combined for the best results.
Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect cooking times and textures. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
Ignoring the chilling time: Cutting into your cheesecake bars too early can ruin their structure. Allow them ample time to chill in the refrigerator for perfect cuts.
Using incorrect measurements: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to ensure accuracy.
Neglecting to line the pan: Failing to line your baking pan can make it difficult to remove the bars later. Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place bars on a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the texture and creaminess of your bars. Full-fat cream cheese yields a richer flavor.
How do I customize my Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?
You can add spices like cloves or allspice for extra flavor or mix in chocolate chips or nuts. Get creative with toppings like whipped cream or caramel sauce!
Are there any alternatives for cream cheese?
For a dairy-free version, consider using cashew cream or vegan cream cheese as substitutes while maintaining a similar texture.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The edges will appear set while the center will still be slightly jiggly. They will firm up as they cool down.
What can I serve with Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?
These bars pair well with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are an irresistible dessert that combines rich flavors with creamy textures, making them perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions. Feel free to customize these bars with your favorite toppings or spices to make them uniquely yours!
Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the festive delight of Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, a perfect blend of spiced gingerbread and creamy cheesecake that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering. These bars are not only easy to prepare but also a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. With a rich flavor profile and an inviting aroma, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether topped with festive decorations or served with whipped cream, these bars make for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and light brown sugar until creamy. Mix in molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until blended.
- Spread the gingerbread base evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly soft in the center.
- For the cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar and light brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla bean paste or extract, lemon juice, and salt; mix until creamy.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled gingerbread base and smooth out gently. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother texture. Customize with additional spices like cloves or chocolate chips for extra flavor. Garnish with whipped cream or mini gingerbread men for a festive touch.