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Creamy Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars: 6-Ingredient Holiday Dessert

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A cozy, no-fuss holiday dessert that combines a spiced gingerbread base with a rich, tangy cream cheese topping. These bars are easy to make, perfect for gifting, and taste better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup dark molasses
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms.
  5. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  6. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while making the topping.
  7. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, and cornstarch. Beat on low just until combined.
  8. Pour cream cheese mixture over the warm gingerbread base and spread evenly.
  9. Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle.
  10. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Do not overmix the cream cheese layer to prevent cracking. Bars must be chilled before slicing to ensure clean cuts. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, cheesecake bars, holiday dessert, easy baking, cream cheese, molasses, party food, make ahead dessert

Find it online: https://grubella.com/creamy-gingerbread-cheesecake-bars-6-ingredient-holiday-dessert/