Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, Spiced, and Perfectly Festive

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who delights in creating dishes that bring warmth and joy to every occasion. This holiday season, I’m excited to share a dessert that combines the cozy, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the smooth, indulgent richness of cheesecake: Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars. These bars are the perfect treat for any holiday gathering—simple to make, but packed with festive flavor. The crispy gingerbread crust and creamy, spiced cheesecake filling will have your guests coming back for seconds. These bars are the perfect balance of festive and indulgent!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars offer a delicious twist on two classic holiday treats: gingerbread and cheesecake. The rich, spiced gingerbread crust provides the perfect base for the creamy, vanilla-infused cheesecake filling. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, whipped cream, and a mint sprig, these bars are both visually stunning and packed with festive flavors. Unlike a traditional cheesecake, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for holiday parties and potlucks. Whether you’re hosting or attending a gathering, these bars will be the star of your dessert table.

Why This Recipe Works

• Gingerbread Flavor: The crust has all the familiar warmth and spice of gingerbread, which complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Simple & Elegant: These cheesecake bars are easy to make, offering all the indulgence of cheesecake without the hassle of a full cake.
• Festive Appeal: The combination of spices and creamy filling creates a comforting, holiday-worthy dessert that looks stunning when served.
• Make-Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time, making them the perfect option for holiday entertaining or meal prepping.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for large gatherings, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them a great addition to any dessert platter.

Health Benefits

• Protein-Rich: The cream cheese in the filling provides a good source of protein.
• Spices for Wellness: Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg aren’t just delicious—they’re also packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Energy: The sugar in the crust and filling provides an instant energy boost, making these bars perfect for festive occasions.
• In Moderation: While these bars are indulgent, they’re perfect for a holiday treat in moderation. The richness of the cheesecake filling and the spiced crust mean one bar is satisfyingly filling.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For Garnishing:

• Cinnamon, for dusting
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and melted butter to form the crust mixture. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. For the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and flour, mixing until creamy. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Let cool, then refrigerate for 2 hours. Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, and mint before serving.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour, and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Bars:
   Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled gingerbread crust, spreading it out evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles and level the filling.
4. Bake the Bars:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but slightly wobbly in the center. This ensures the filling is creamy and not overbaked. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully.
5. Serve:
   Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars. For an added festive touch, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, and a fresh mint leaf. Serve and enjoy!

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)

Nutrition Information (per serving, 12 servings)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg

Serving with Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

Serve these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars cold from the fridge with a light dusting of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprig of mint for added festive flair. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, served alongside a hot cup of spiced cider or a glass of dessert wine. Whether you’re enjoying them at a family dinner or sharing them at a cookie exchange, these bars will impress with their rich, spiced flavor and creamy texture.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs in place of regular ones for a gluten-free version.
• Add Spice: For a spicier kick, increase the ginger or add a dash of ground cloves.
• Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream for the filling, and flax eggs as an egg substitute.
• Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars for a decadent twist.
• Leftovers: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving.

FAQ:

The Bottom Line

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert: creamy, spiced, and indulgent. The combination of the rich cheesecake filling with the aromatic gingerbread crust makes for a comforting yet elegant treat that will impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a cozy night in or something show-stopping for a holiday feast, these bars are a must-try. They’re easy to prepare, make ahead, and are sure to become a seasonal favorite.