Go Back
To make these delightful bars, you will need: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature - 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses You can adjust ingredients based on what you have. For the crust, use crushed cookies instead of graham crackers. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese. You can also swap unsalted butter with coconut oil. For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don’t have molasses, maple syrup can be a nice alternative, but it will change the taste. Using fresh ingredients is key to great flavor. Cream cheese should be soft for easy mixing. Room temperature eggs help the batter blend well. Fresh spices give that warm holiday taste. Check your baking supplies to ensure they are not stale. Fresh ingredients make your gingerbread cheesecake bars taste their best. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix together the following ingredients: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon salt Use a fork to stir until everything is combined and crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Use the back of a flat measuring cup for a smooth surface. Bake it for 10 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. While the crust cools, take a large bowl and add: - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to be smooth and creamy. Now, add: - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature - 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg to keep it smooth. Once everything is mixed, pour this cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake your cheesecake bars for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center can be a bit jiggly. This jiggle means it will be creamy after cooling. After baking, take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then, put it in the fridge for at least 3 hours. This step is key for a firm texture. When chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Cut into bars with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean edges. Enjoy your delightful holiday treat! To get a smooth texture, use softened cream cheese. It needs to be at room temperature. Beat it with sugar until creamy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each. This keeps it light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to cracks, so mix just enough. The filling should be smooth before you pour it over the crust. One common mistake is not cooling the crust enough. If the crust is hot, it can make the filling melt too quickly. Also, avoid using cold eggs. This can cause lumps in the mixture. Lastly, don’t skip chilling the bars. Chilling helps them firm up and makes slicing easier. Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes. Look for set edges and a jiggly center. This means it will be creamy after cooling. Once you remove it from the oven, let it cool for an hour at room temperature. Then, cover and chill in the fridge for at least three hours. This waiting time is key for the best taste and texture. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your dairy ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This ensures a smoother batter and prevents lumps. Don’t Overmix: When combining the cheesecake mixture, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks during baking. Check for Doneness: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools, resulting in a creamy texture. Chill Properly: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps it to set perfectly. {{image_4}} You can make your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars even tastier by adding more spices. Try adding nutmeg or allspice to the mix. Just a pinch will boost the warm flavors. You can also experiment with cardamom for a unique twist. Adjust the spice levels to match your taste. To make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. They provide the same delicious crust. For vegan options, swap out the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. These simple swaps help everyone enjoy this treat. Presentation makes a big difference! After slicing the bars, place them on a pretty platter. Dust the tops lightly with ground cinnamon for a festive look. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for creaminess. Finish with a mint sprig for a splash of color. These small touches will wow your guests! Store your gingerbread cheesecake bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days. This helps keep the bars creamy and fresh. Make sure they are fully chilled before sealing to avoid excess moisture. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing! To freeze the bars, first, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To serve leftovers, you can enjoy them cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warm bars, reheat them gently. Place them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This warms them but keeps them creamy. Serve them with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They taste even better after chilling. I suggest making them a day or two before your event. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Cream cheese is best for texture. However, you can substitute with mascarpone for a richer taste. Just keep in mind that the final flavor may change slightly. You can serve these bars with many tasty options. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch. Fresh fruit like berries also pairs well. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel makes it festive. Feel free to get creative! This blog post covered how to make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars. We discussed essential ingredients, tips for a perfect texture, and fun variations. Remember, fresh ingredients are key, and timing is important for baking. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or dietary options. With the right storage, you can enjoy these bars later. I hope you're excited to try this recipe and share it with others! Happy baking!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Deliciously spiced cheesecake bars with a gingerbread crust, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Stir with a fork until all ingredients are evenly mixed and have a crumbly texture.
  • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust layer. Use the back of a flat measuring cup to achieve a smooth surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool for about 5-10 minutes.
  • While the crust is cooling, in a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring to mix well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Next, add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and molasses. Blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The edges should appear set, while the center remains slightly jiggly to the touch—this ensures a creamy texture upon cooling.
  • Once baking is complete, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for approximately one hour. Following this, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the cheesecake is completely firm.
  • After chilling, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars with a sharp knife, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

For an enchanting display, arrange the bars on a decorative platter. Enhance their festive appeal by lightly dusting the tops with ground cinnamon or serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint for added color and freshness.
Keyword bars, cheesecake, gingerbread, holiday dessert