Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are the perfect holiday treat that beautifully combines the spiced flavors of gingerbread with a creamy cheesecake layer. These bars not only taste amazing but also look festive, making them ideal for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. With a buttery crust and warm spices, they are sure to impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of gingerbread spices with creamy cheesecake creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these bars can be whipped up quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain, or dress them up with whipped cream or caramel drizzle for an extra special touch.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare these bars in advance and chill them so they’re ready to serve when your guests arrive.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family dinner, these bars fit seamlessly into any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your baking process goes smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly baking your cheesecake bars and allows for easy slicing into individual servings.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when blending the cream cheese mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups gingerbread cookie crumbs (about 20 gingerbread cookies, crushed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz 2 packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For Garnish

• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle
• Crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Ensuring your oven is at the right temperature is crucial for even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gingerbread cookie crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar.
2. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least three hours or overnight to set completely.

Step 6: Serve

Cut into bars and garnish with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and crushed gingerbread cookies before serving! Enjoy your festive Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are delightful on their own, but they can be dressed up in various ways to enhance their festive appeal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve each bar topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.

Drizzled with Caramel

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness that complements the spices in the cheesecake.

Garnished with Crushed Cookies

• Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies over the top for added texture and a festive touch.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh slices of apple or pear for a refreshing balance to the creamy bars.

Paired with Hot Beverages

• These bars pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or spiced chai, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Creating the perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out deliciously every time.

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
• Crush cookies finely: Ensuring the gingerbread crumbs are fine allows for a more cohesive crust.
• Chill thoroughly before cutting: Allowing the bars to chill will help them set properly and makes slicing easier.
• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg based on your preference.
• Don’t skip the toppings: Adding whipped cream or caramel elevates the flavor and presentation of your bars.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

To create a well-rounded dessert table, consider serving these side dishes alongside your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars. They complement the flavors beautifully and add variety to your spread.

1. Pumpkin Pie: A classic holiday favorite that pairs well with the spices in the cheesecake.
2. Pecan Pie: The rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie creates a delightful contrast with gingerbread spices.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy chocolate mousse adds an elegant touch and balances sweetness.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich cheesecake.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory option that contrasts nicely with sweet desserts.
6. Spiced Apple Cider: Serving warm spiced apple cider enhances the cozy feeling during holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Using stale cookies: Always use fresh gingerbread cookies for the crust. Stale cookies can lead to a soggy base and affect the overall texture of your bars.
• Overmixing the cheesecake filling: Mix the cream cheese just until smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in your cheesecake bars as they cool.
• Skipping the chilling time: Patience is key! Allow your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars to chill for at least 3 hours before serving. This helps them set properly and enhances flavor.
• Not greasing the pan: Grease your baking pan well before pouring in your mixture. This makes it easier to cut and remove the bars without sticking.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your filling, ruining the smooth texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the bars covered with plastic wrap if not using a container.
• Place parchment paper between layers for easy removal.

Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• Use aluminum foil over the plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Label containers with dates for easy identification when thawing.

Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid to warm gently without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought gingerbread cookies for these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, you can use store-bought gingerbread cookies. Just crush them into fine crumbs for the crust.

How do I know when my Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are done baking?

The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools and chills.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free gingerbread cookies in place of regular ones to enjoy this delicious dessert without gluten.

What toppings pair well with Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?

Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or crushed gingerbread cookies make great toppings to enhance flavor and presentation.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars beautifully combine festive flavors with creamy delight, making them an ideal treat for any holiday gathering. They are versatile and can be customized with various toppings or flavors. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

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Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 18 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive delight of Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, the perfect holiday dessert that harmonizes the warm spices of gingerbread with a rich, creamy cheesecake layer. These bars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful, making them a standout treat for any occasion—be it holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. With a buttery gingerbread crust and a luscious cheesecake filling, they are sure to impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix gingerbread cookie crumbs, melted butter, and optional brown sugar in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and spices.
4. Pour cheesecake filling over the crust and bake for about 40 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
5. Allow to cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight.
6. Cut into bars and serve with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or crushed cookies on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg