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Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Perfect Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars combine a tender, spiced gingerbread layer with a silky cheesecake layer, all topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for warm, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, fully softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on the two long sides. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and molasses, whisking until fully combined.
  4. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour (three additions of flour, two of buttermilk). Mix until just combined.
  5. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  6. Add the sugar and beat for another minute until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low after each addition just until incorporated. Mix in the vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
  7. Spread about two-thirds of the gingerbread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over the gingerbread layer and spread gently into an even layer.
  8. Drop the remaining gingerbread batter by spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the two together with three or four figure-eight movements.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when gently shaken. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  10. Place the pan on a cooling rack and let it cool completely at room temperature (about 2 hours). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  11. When ready to serve, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low. Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt, then beat in the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is spreadable.
  12. Use the parchment handles to lift the chilled bars out of the pan. Spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 24 bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for the cheesecake layer to avoid lumps and cracks. For the silkiest cheesecake, use a water bath by placing the baking pan inside a larger roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides. Use unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap) for the best flavor. The bars taste even better the next day after the flavors meld. For clean cuts, chill the bars thoroughly and run a sharp knife under hot water between cuts.

Nutrition

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

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