Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy richness of cheesecake. These bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence during the winter months. With their charming appearance and delicious flavor, they are sure to impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These bars come together quickly compared to a traditional cheesecake, making them perfect for busy bakers.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spiced gingerbread and creamy cheesecake creates a delectable dessert that’s full of warmth.
• Versatile Presentation: You can easily customize the topping with cute gingerbread men or festive sprinkles for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving at parties or potlucks, ensuring everyone gets a taste.
• Holiday Favorite: These bars capture the essence of holiday baking with their rich spices and creamy texture.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for baking the bars evenly, allowing them to cook through without burning.
• Electric mixer: A must-have for achieving a smooth and creamy cheesecake mixture effortlessly.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding ingredients without losing airiness in your batter.

Ingredients

For these delightful 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: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Gingerbread Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Spread this gingerbread mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
2. Gradually add both sugars while mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Add in sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla bean paste or extract, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the gingerbread base in your baking pan.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow cooling completely before slicing into bars. Top with adorable little gingerbread men if you like!

Enjoy these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars as a delightful dessert that captures holiday spirit!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Serving Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars is all about enhancing their delightful flavors. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit any occasion.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and airy contrast to the rich cheesecake.

Garnish with Gingerbread Men

• Decorate each bar with adorable mini gingerbread men for a festive touch that delights both kids and adults.

Serve with Hot Cocoa

• Pair with a warm cup of cocoa, complete with marshmallows, for a cozy winter treat that complements the spices in the bars.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears; their crispness balances the creamy texture perfectly.

Present on a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your bars on a decorative platter with colorful holiday ornaments or sprigs of mint for an eye-catching display at gatherings.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the cheesecake bars adds an extra layer of sweetness and decadence.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Perfecting your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks in the cheesecake.

• Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for several hours (or overnight) before cutting. This helps them set properly and improves flavor.

• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and clean-up once baked.

• Check for Doneness: The center should be slightly wobbly when you take them out of the oven; it will firm up as it cools.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like allspice or cloves to enhance the gingerbread flavor profile even more!

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Complementing your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Compote
   A warm apple compote spiced with cinnamon enhances the flavors of gingerbread beautifully.

2. Cranberry Relish
   The tartness of cranberry relish adds a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake bars.

3. Pumpkin Soup
   A smooth pumpkin soup served hot can provide a savory balance before indulging in dessert.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses paired with crackers offers a savory option that complements sweet flavors well.

5. Chocolate Fondue
   Guests can dip fresh fruits or pretzels into chocolate fondue, creating an interactive dessert experience alongside your bars.

6. Ginger Tea
   A soothing cup of ginger tea can enhance those spicy notes while providing warmth during chilly evenings.

7. Nutty Granola
   A crunchy granola mix sprinkled on top adds texture and pairs well as a light snack option next to dessert.

8. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting atop warm gingerbread bars creates an indulgent treat that everyone will love!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping ingredient temperature: Using cold cream cheese can lead to lumps. Always let it reach room temperature for a smoother texture.
• Overmixing the batter: This can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks during baking. Mix just until combined for a creamy consistency.
• Not greasing the pan: A sticky situation! Ensure you grease your baking dish to easily remove the bars once baked.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into warm cheesecake bars can ruin their structure. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
• Using outdated spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check expiration dates on your ground spices to ensure maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), and heat bars for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars that might help clarify any uncertainties.

What is the best way to serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?

Serve chilled or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these bars up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until serving.

How should I store leftover Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream cheese as alternatives based on your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with creamy textures. Their versatility allows for customization—try adding chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist. We encourage you to try this recipe and share it with friends and family during the holiday season!

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Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that beautifully marries the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights, these bars are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. With a spiced gingerbread crust and a velvety cheesecake layer, they capture the essence of seasonal baking in every bite. Top them with whipped cream or mini gingerbread men for an added festive touch!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. For the gingerbread base, cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; gradually add to wet ingredients until combined. Spread into the prepared pan.
3. For the cheesecake layer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugars. Add sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla bean paste or extract, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Pour over the gingerbread base.
4. Bake for about 40 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (80g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg