Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings warmth and joy to your gatherings, look no further than these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars! These delightful bars combine the rich, spiced flavor of gingerbread with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. Perfect for busy weeknights or family get-togethers, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. The best part? They’re so easy to whip up compared to a full cheesecake!

Every bite of these bars is like a cozy hug, making them ideal for holiday parties or just a sweet indulgence while you enjoy a night in. Plus, they’re incredibly shareable—your friends and family will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These bars come together faster than you can say holiday baking, making them perfect for last-minute treats.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced gingerbread—kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store in the fridge. They taste even better after chilling!
• Versatile Decor: Top them with adorable little gingerbread men or your favorite holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars a hit. From rich butter to warm spices, each ingredient plays an important role in creating that perfect flavor profile.

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these variations:

• Add Some Spice: Try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
• Nuts About It: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the gingerbread base for added crunch.
• Fruit Infusion: Swirl in some apple or pumpkin puree into the cheesecake layer for a fruity twist.
• Dairy Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bars that lovely texture. Then add in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Gradually blend this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 3: Bake the Base

Spread the gingerbread mixture evenly into a prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until set but slightly soft in the center—this will ensure it stays moist underneath that creamy cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While your base is baking, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in light brown sugar, sour cream, eggs one at a time, vanilla bean paste or extract, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until smooth; this creamy filling is what makes these bars truly special!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Again

Once your gingerbread base has cooled slightly, pour the cheesecake filling over it evenly. Bake again at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let your bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. Chilling them allows all those flavors to meld beautifully! Once chilled through, slice into squares and serve with your favorite toppings—like little gingerbread men!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars—you might even want to save some for later!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Baking these delightful bars is a breeze, but a few pro tips can help you achieve the best results!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature will create a smoother batter, resulting in a creamier cheesecake layer.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a light and fluffy texture. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
• Let them cool properly: After baking, let your bars cool in the pan for at least an hour before refrigerating. This allows them to set nicely and makes cutting easier.
• Chill before serving: For the best flavor and texture, chill the bars for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes it super easy to lift out the entire batch for cutting.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Presenting your gingerbread cheesecake bars can be as fun as making them! Here are some ideas that will make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lightness and tropical flair that complements the spices beautifully.
• Crushed gingersnap cookies: Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies on top for an added crunch and a touch of extra ginger flavor.
• Candied ginger pieces: A few chopped candied ginger pieces on top adds both visual appeal and a delightful zing!

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings cozy vibes that pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cheesecake bars.
• Cinnamon vanilla ice cream: A scoop of cinnamon vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the spiced bars and enhances their festive feel.
• Caramelized pears: The warm sweetness of caramelized pears complements the flavors in these bars beautifully—simply sauté sliced pears with a bit of butter and brown sugar until they’re golden.
• Herbed cheese platter: A selection of herbed cheeses alongside some crackers provides a savory balance to the sweetness of the cheesecake bars, making it an appealing offering at gatherings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with your delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them to enjoy later, making your holiday gatherings even more delightful.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Cut into squares and place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• If desired, you can warm the bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind as you prepare your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars!

Can I use a different type of sweetener for Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?

Yes! You can substitute coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just keep in mind that it may slightly affect the taste and texture.

How long do Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars last?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, these bars will last up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Can I make these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The flavor and texture will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars! They’re not only a treat for your taste buds but also bring warmth and festivity to any gathering. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends this holiday season, and don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine with decorations! Happy baking!