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- 1 ½ cups gingerbread cookie crumbs - 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - ½ cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade) - Crushed gingerbread cookies or ginger snap cookies (for garnish) The ingredients for these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars create a delightful mix of flavors. The crust gives a warm, spiced base. The cheesecake layer adds a creamy and rich texture. Finally, the topping brings a festive finish. To start, you need gingerbread cookie crumbs. These bring a classic holiday taste. You will also need unsalted butter, which helps bind the crust. Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. Ground cinnamon enhances the warm flavor profile. For the cheesecake layer, cream cheese is key. It creates a smooth texture. The granulated sugar sweetens the mix. Eggs provide structure and help the bars set. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Ground ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon add warmth and spice. All-purpose flour helps thicken the filling. Finally, for the topping, you can use whipped cream. It adds lightness and creaminess. Crushed gingerbread cookies or ginger snap cookies give a nice crunch. Together, these ingredients create an irresistible holiday treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, mix the gingerbread cookie crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir until the mix looks crumbly and holds together. Next, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan. Make sure the layer is even across the base. Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it's hot enough, place the crust in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You want it to feel set when you take it out. After baking, let it cool slightly before adding the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps keep the filling smooth. Now, mix in the vanilla extract, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep it creamy. Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled gingerbread crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. This helps ensure every bite is delicious and creamy. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the edges to be set but the center should still jiggle a bit. This shows it's done. After baking, let the bars cool to room temperature. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best taste. Once the cheesecake is firm and chilled, cut it into 9 equal squares. Top each bar with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a fun touch, sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies on top. Enjoy your festive treat! To get the right crumb consistency, start with finely crushed gingerbread cookies. A food processor works great for this. Mix the crumbs with melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the mixture is well combined. It should feel damp but not wet. When pressing the crust into the pan, use your fingers to spread it evenly. This helps avoid any thick spots. To ensure a firm base, use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup. Press down hard enough to pack it tight. An even layer will lead to perfect bars. To avoid lumps in your cheesecake, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Start mixing with granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This helps create a creamy texture. Be careful not to overmix your filling. Stop mixing once everything is combined. Overmixing can introduce air, which may cause cracks when baking. A smooth, creamy layer is key to a great cheesecake. For a lovely presentation, serve the bars on a pretty platter. You can add whole gingerbread cookies around the cheesecake bars for charm. Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top for a special touch. This makes each bar look even more inviting. Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies on the whipped cream. This adds texture and a festive look. A beautiful presentation makes these bars even more irresistible for your holiday gatherings. Pro Tips Chill the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling without lumps. Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs and other ingredients to your cheesecake mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in your cheesecake. Cool Gradually: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking on the surface. Garnish Wisely: For an elegant presentation, use a piping bag to dollop the whipped cream on each bar, and sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies on top for extra flavor and texture. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your gingerbread cheesecake bars easily. Adding spices like cardamom or cloves gives them a warm kick. Just a pinch of each can make a big difference. You can also add citrus zest, like orange or lemon. This adds a bright note and balances the rich flavors. If you need gluten-free options, swap the gingerbread cookie crumbs for gluten-free cookies. You can find many great brands that taste just as good. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese. Many brands offer a creamy texture that works well in this recipe. Get creative with holiday toppings. Try adding peppermint sprinkles or chocolate shavings for a festive look. You can also use different cookie flavors for the crust. Chocolate cookies or snickerdoodles can give a fun twist to the bars. These simple changes can make your dessert stand out at any holiday gathering. To store your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, first let them cool completely. Then, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This will help keep the bars fresh and tasty. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about five days. To keep the texture just right, avoid stacking the bars. This prevents them from getting squished. You can freeze Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars for longer storage. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, enjoy them chilled. Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars have a shelf life of about five days in the fridge. After this time, they may start to lose their flavor and texture. Look for signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or a change in color. If you see any mold, toss them out. Always check your bars before enjoying them to ensure they taste great! To cool these bars, first let them sit at room temperature. This helps avoid condensation. After about 30 minutes, place them in the fridge. Chilling for at least four hours is best. This allows the cheesecake to set properly. If you can, let them chill overnight. They will taste better the next day! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Prepare them a day or two before serving. Just store them in the fridge after they cool down. This saves you time on busy days. Plus, the flavors will deepen as they sit. Just remember to cover them well to keep them fresh. Check the edges of the cheesecake. They should look set and firm. The center may have a slight jiggle. This is normal and shows it’s still creamy inside. If it looks too loose, bake it a little longer. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Yes, using store-bought gingerbread cookies is fine! They can save you time and effort. Just crush them to make crumbs for the crust. The flavor will still be great. However, homemade cookies may add a fresher taste. It's all about what you prefer! You now have all the steps to create delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars. From the tasty gingerbread crust to the creamy filling and festive toppings, this recipe has it all. Remember, perfecting the crust and filling ensures a yummy treat. Feel free to experiment with flavors and dietary needs to find your favorite version. Storing leftovers properly means you can enjoy these bars longer. Whether for a holiday dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy baking and sharing your treats!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a gingerbread crust, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup whipped cream
  • to taste crushed gingerbread cookies or ginger snap cookies (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the gingerbread cookie crumbs, melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until it forms a uniform, crumbly texture. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan, ensuring an even layer across the base.
  • Pre-bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it feels set. After baking, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
  • Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour until just combined; do not overmix.
  • Assemble the Bars: Pour the creamy cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled gingerbread crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
  • Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Place the assembled cheesecake bars in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should appear set while the center has a slight jiggle—this indicates it's done. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. After cooling, chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • Serve: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and firm, cut into 9 equal squares. Top each bar with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies.

Notes

For a festive charm, arrange the cheesecake bars on a decorative platter, interspersing them with whole gingerbread cookies for added flair. Consider drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for a decadent touch and enticing appearance.
Keyword bars, cheesecake, gingerbread, holiday