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Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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These gingerbread cheesecake bars feature a spicy gingerbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings, and sure to convert even the most adamant cheesecake skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g or 1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (unsulphured, not blackstrap)
  • 16 ounces (452g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • Crushed gingersnap cookies (optional garnish)
  • Candied ginger, finely diced (optional garnish)
  • A light dusting of cinnamon (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
  2. Make the gingerbread crust: In a food processor, pulse together flour, dark brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until combined. Add cold butter cubes and pulse 10-12 times until mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized butter pieces. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons molasses and pulse 3-4 more times. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add granulated sugar and beat for another minute. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low after each addition just until combined. Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, 2 tablespoons molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg on low until smooth.
  4. Pour cheesecake filling over pre-baked crust. Spread evenly. Tap pan gently on counter to release air bubbles. Drop small spoonfuls of extra molasses (1-2 tablespoons) on top and gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. Edges should be set and slightly puffed, center should jiggle slightly. Remove from oven and cool completely on a cooling rack (1-2 hours). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon milk or cream. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with additional milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  7. Once bars are fully chilled, use parchment handles to lift the block out of the pan. Spread frosting evenly over top. Garnish with crushed gingersnaps, candied ginger, or cinnamon if desired. Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth filling. Don’t overmix the filling to avoid cracks. The jiggle test is key: center should jiggle slightly when done. Cool completely before refrigerating. Use a hot knife for clean cuts. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen (unfrosted) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cheesecake bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, cheesecake bars, gingerbread dessert

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/perfect-gingerbread-cheesecake-bars-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/