If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends the cozy warmth of holiday spices with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, this Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars offer a luscious, spiced cheesecake layer resting on a crunchy gingerbread crust that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, they bring all the flavors of gingerbread in a rich, creamy form that’s easy to slice and share. Trust me, these bars are a delightful twist on classic cheesecake that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, dependable ingredients are the heart of this Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building texture, flavor, and that irresistible holiday vibe you’re looking for in every bite.
- Gingerbread cookie crumbs: The foundation of the crust, bringing spice and crunch that perfectly complement the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together for a buttery, satisfying base that holds up beautifully.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, lending a silky smooth texture and tangy richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the spices.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and create that dreamy cheesecake consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Classic gingerbread spice that adds sweet warmth.
- Ground ginger: Essential for that signature gingerbread bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty aroma that rounds out the spices.
- Ground cloves: Gives a hint of bold, aromatic spice that makes the flavor more robust.
How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature ensures even baking for both the crust and filling. While the oven warms up, mix the gingerbread cookie crumbs with the melted butter. This combination, when pressed into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, will form a firm, flavorful base that’s both crunchy and aromatic—a perfect contrast to the creamy filling to come.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Once your crumb and butter mixture is ready, press it firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread so every bar will have that perfect cookie crust. If you want a touch of extra sweetness and chewiness, this is the step where you can stir in a bit of brown sugar, but it’s completely optional and delicious either way.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. This step is key to achieving the classic creamy texture. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter light and airy. Finally, stir in the vanilla and your carefully measured spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—for that unmistakable gingerbread flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the spiced cheesecake filling over the prepared gingerbread crust, smoothing it out evenly. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’re aiming for the edges to be set and firm, while the center retains a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. This ensures a creamy, soft texture that’s still perfectly done.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
After baking, it’s important to let the cheesecake cool at room temperature. This step helps prevent cracking and keeps the texture silky. Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least three hours or overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the bars to firm up for clean, beautiful slices.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Finally, cut your chilled cheesecake into bars, about 18 servings from this recipe. These bars are fantastic on their own, or you can dress them up with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Either way, each bite delivers that perfect blend of spiced richness and creamy goodness.
How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these bars can elevate their appeal and flavor dramatically. Freshly whipped cream, lightly dusted with cinnamon or nutmeg, brings a luscious creaminess that complements the cheesecake perfectly. For a touch of sweetness and texture, drizzle with caramel sauce or honey, or even sprinkle some chopped crystallized ginger for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
While these bars shine on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. For holiday parties, serving alongside fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness and adding vibrant color to your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make your Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe feel extra special. Try serving the bars on a rustic wooden board with festive holiday accents like pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks. Layer the bars in glass jars for a charming, portable treat, or cut smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with skewers for easy sharing at get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars stay incredibly fresh when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 5 days, making them perfect for making ahead for holiday gatherings or any time you want a make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars to enjoy later. Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
Since these bars are best served chilled, reheating isn’t usually necessary. But if you prefer them slightly warmed, a few seconds in the microwave will do—just be careful to avoid overheating, which can affect the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gingerbread cookies for the crust?
Absolutely! Using store-bought gingerbread cookies crushed into crumbs is a convenient way to make the crust, and it adds authentic gingerbread flavor. Just make sure the crumbs are finely crushed so the crust holds together well.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
While the combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates the classic gingerbread flavor, you can adjust based on what you have. Cinnamon and ginger are the must-haves. Nutmeg and cloves add depth but can be left out without losing the essence of the bars.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free gingerbread cookies for the crust. Just ensure the cookies are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination, and your bars will be just as delicious.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should look set and firm, but the center will still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. This appearance means the cheesecake is perfectly baked—creamy and smooth once chilled.
Can I use a different pan size?
For best results, stick to a 9×13-inch pan as specified. Using a smaller pan will make the bars thicker and may require longer baking; a larger pan will thin them out, possibly changing texture and baking time. If you do adjust pan size, keep a close eye on baking progress.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing a dessert that combines gingerbread’s comforting spices with cheesecake’s creamy richness. This Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a wonderful treat you can serve year-round but especially during the holidays when those flavors shine brightest. It’s approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of this festive favorite!
Print
Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 0 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are a festive and delicious treat combining the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet, spiced dessert bar with a buttery gingerbread crust and smooth, spiced cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine gingerbread cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in vanilla extract and the ground spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a richly spiced filling.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly, indicating it is perfectly baked.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least three hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavor.
- Serve: Cut the chilled cheesecake into bars and serve. Optionally, top with whipped cream or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- The center being slightly jiggly after baking is a sign that the cheesecake will set as it chills.
- You can substitute gingerbread cookie crumbs with ginger snap cookies for a similar flavor.
- Store bars in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- For an extra festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
