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Cozy Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These cozy gingerbread cheesecake bars combine a warm, spiced gingerbread crust with a silky cheesecake layer, all topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re the perfect comfort dessert for cold weather or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  5. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
  6. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
  7. Pour cheesecake batter over pre-baked crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
  8. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat until fluffy, adding more milk if needed.
  10. Spread frosting over chilled cheesecake layer. Use parchment overhang to lift bars out. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth cheesecake layer. Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to prevent cracking. Chill bars thoroughly before cutting for clean slices. For best results, refrigerate overnight.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/cozy-gingerbread-cheesecake-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/