Description
These Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread cookies, making a perfect festive treat that’s irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare. Featuring a crunchy gingerbread crust and a smooth, silky cheesecake filling, these bars are ideal for holiday parties and cozy dessert moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the gingerbread cookie crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until thoroughly combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a lined baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. This step firms up the crust before adding the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Assemble cheesecake bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked gingerbread crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake the cheesecake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for several hours or overnight before slicing into 12 squares.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Chilling the bars before slicing helps clean, sharp cuts and better texture.
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra festive touch.
- If gingerbread cookie crumbs are not available, finely crushed ginger snap cookies can be a good substitute.
