Ah, the magic of the holiday season! Are you ready to bring some warmth and sweetness to your dessert rotation? Let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorites: Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars. Picture cozy nights spent huddled with a warm cup of cocoa while indulging in these deliciously spiced cheesecake bars. I first made them years ago for a holiday party, and let’s just say they were gone faster than you can say “Santa’s Little Helper!”
The best part? These bars capture the essence of the gingerbread cookies we all love, but they add that creamy cheesecake depth that’s simply irresistible. Once you take a bite, you might just find yourself reaching for another piece, trying to convince yourself that they count as a “balanced meal” because they have creamy cheese in them, right? Just me? Well, trust me when I say, you’ll want to whip these up!
What’s in Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?
Let’s break down the star ingredients that make these bars not just tasty but also uniquely festive:
Ginger Snap Cookies: These are the backbone of our crust and add that classic spicy-sweet flavor we adore. I prefer using **Murray’s Ginger Snaps** because they have a perfect crunch and aren’t overly sweet!
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to our crust. Always go for unsalted; that way you can control how much salt you’re adding.
Brown Sugar: A must for that deep, caramel-like sweetness! I love using **light brown sugar** as it pairs beautifully with the spices.
Cream Cheese: The creamy base of our cheesecake filling. Be sure to use full-fat to ensure a rich, smooth texture!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens our cheesecake perfectly. A good quality sugar keeps it balanced without being overly sweet.
Sour Cream: Adds a little tang to our filling, which balances out the sweetness beautifully. I typically use full-fat for the best results.
Eggs: These help our cheesecake set nicely while keeping it creamy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: The spice quartet that brings the holiday spirit to our bars. I love **McCormick** spices for their excellent quality.
Additional Crushed Ginger Snap Cookies: A final sprinkle for a bit of extra crunch and decoration!
Are Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Now, you might wonder if these beautiful bars have any redeeming qualities. Well, here’s a breakdown:
Cream Cheese: It provides a creamy texture and is a source of calcium, but don’t forget it’s also calorie-dense—so moderation is key.
Sour Cream: Offers probiotics if you choose a cultured version, which can be helpful for gut health! Just watch how much you eat in one sitting.
Spices: Ginger and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. Plus, they make your home smell divine!
Just be mindful of the sugar content and enjoy these delectable bars in moderation—after all, they’re a treat!
Ingredients Needed for Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars:
– 1 ½ cups ginger snap cookies, crushed
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 24 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– Additional crushed ginger snap cookies (for garnish)
*Servings: 12+ bars depending on size*
How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This is the part where the anticipation starts to build!
2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed ginger snap cookies, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until crumbly and well combined—just like you would if you were making cookie dough.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes. While it’s baking, take a moment to breathe in that delicious ginger aroma!
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Here comes the good part!
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy—think clouds of deliciousness.
6. Next, add the granulated sugar! Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. You want it smooth like your favorite lullaby.
7. Mix in the sour cream, adding eggs one at a time, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat until completely smooth and blended—definitely taste it; the spices should sing!
8. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled ginger snap crust and spread it evenly. Look at all those spices working their magic!
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Just a slight jiggle means it’s perfectly creamy.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. That’s the hardest part: waiting!
11. Before serving, sprinkle additional crushed ginger snap cookies on top for garnish. Cut into bars, serve, and watch them disappear!
Gingerbread Twist & Serving Suggestions
Here’s where you can get creative! You can drop in some white chocolate chips or even add a caramel drizzle on top for a luxurious taste. Want a nuttier flavor? Crushed walnuts or pecans make for great add-ins!
Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a cup of hot chocolate, and you’re in for a treat. These bars are also perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as a sweet pick-me-up during those chilly evenings.
I can’t wait for you to try these Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a hug in a bite. If you give them a go, let me know how they turn out. Trust me, these creamy, spice-filled treasures are bound to become a cherished recipe for years to come! Happy baking!
