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Cozy Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars

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These cozy gingerbread cheesecake bars feature a spiced crust with warm holiday spices and a rich, creamy cheesecake layer, perfect for festive gatherings or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the spiced crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Pour in melted butter and molasses, stirring until crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press the crust evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are fragrant and lightly browned.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
  5. Sprinkle flour into the filling and fold gently to stabilize.
  6. Pour the filling over the baked crust and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the filling is mostly set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  8. Cool bars at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Use parchment paper overhang to lift bars from pan. Slice into squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth filling. Do not overmix the filling to avoid cracks. Pre-bake the crust to prevent sogginess. Chill bars overnight for best texture and flavor. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Variations include gluten-free crust with almond flour, vegan substitutions, and optional pumpkin spice or chocolate drizzle.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, cheesecake bars, holiday dessert, spiced crust, easy baking, festive dessert

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/cozy-gingerbread-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-spiced-crust-dessert/