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Creamy Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars: 15-Minute Holiday Dessert

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These creamy gingerbread cheesecake bars combine a spiced graham cracker crust with a dense, tangy cheesecake filling. They are easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and offer the cozy warmth of the holidays without the stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp gingerbread spice (or blend of 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp cloves, ¼ tsp allspice)
  • 16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease with butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and gingerbread spice. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
  4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool while making the filling.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down sides.
  6. Add sour cream, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  7. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
  8. Sprinkle flour over the batter and fold in gently with a spatula.
  9. Pour cheesecake batter over the warm crust and smooth the top.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
  11. Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let bars sit in the oven for 1 hour to cool gradually.
  12. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to prevent lumps. Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs to avoid cracking. For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water between cuts. The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cheesecake, holiday dessert, easy cheesecake bars, Christmas baking, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-gingerbread-cheesecake-bars-15-minute-holiday-dessert/