Description
These Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a festive and creamy treat perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a spiced gingerbread cookie crust and a smooth, rich cheesecake filling, these bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are both irresistible and easy to make.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake layers.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a bowl, combine the gingerbread cookie crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press Crust: Line a baking pan with parchment paper, then firmly press the cookie crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes to set it before adding the cheesecake filling.
- Mix Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is completely combined and smooth.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the assembled bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool fully at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate them thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Press the crust mixture firmly to prevent it from crumbling after baking.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake; it should be slightly jiggly in the center to maintain creamy texture once chilled.
- Chilling the bars overnight is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- You can garnish the bars with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
