Name: Gingerbread Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup ground gingerbread cookies (about 8-10 cookies, crushed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz (2 cups) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Whipped cream; Ground cinnamon or crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish

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Imagine the warmth of gingerbread—spiced, sweet, and comforting—paired with the creamy, indulgent texture of cheesecake. That’s what you get with this Gingerbread Cheesecake: a deliciously festive treat that’s perfect for the holidays, but honestly, it’s good all year long. Trust me, once you try a bite, you’ll be hooked on the perfect blend of spices and creaminess. It’s like having the best of both worlds in one decadent dessert. So go ahead, slice a piece, and let the holiday magic begin!

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Cheesecake

Here’s why this Gingerbread Cheesecake is bound to steal the spotlight at your next holiday gathering (or any occasion, really):

A Dreamy Flavor Combo

The warm, spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses in the gingerbread blend beautifully with the rich, creamy tang of the cheesecake. It’s a flavor combo that screams comfort and coziness.

Perfect for the Holidays

This cheesecake is perfect for the holiday season! Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just need something festive for the winter months, this dessert will bring cheer to any table.

No-Bake Option!

If you’re not a fan of baking, don’t worry! You can make this cheesecake without turning on the oven. Just chill it in the fridge for a few hours, and you’ll have a smooth, creamy dessert ready to impress your guests.

Showstopper Dessert

The best part? It looks as beautiful as it tastes. The gorgeous swirl of gingerbread flavor mixed into the creamy filling, topped with a festive gingerbread crust—it’s a dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, you’ll definitely want to).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and creamy Gingerbread Cheesecake:

For the Gingerbread Crust:

Gingersnap Cookies: These give the crust that signature gingerbread flavor and a nice crunch.
Butter: To help bind the crust together and give it a rich, buttery flavor.

Brown Sugar: Adds a little extra sweetness and deep molasses flavor to the crust.

For the Gingerbread Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake filling. It makes the cheesecake super creamy and rich.
Sugar: For a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.

Sour Cream: Adds a nice tang and keeps the filling smooth.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving the filling its firm texture.
Molasses: The secret ingredient that adds that deep, rich gingerbread flavor.

Spices (Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg): These warm spices bring the gingerbread flavor to life.
Vanilla Extract: For a little extra depth of flavor.

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Making this Gingerbread Cheesecake is easier than you might think—let’s get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the gingersnap cookies until they’re finely ground. Add the brown sugar and melted butter, and pulse again until everything is well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes to set the crust, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream, molasses, vanilla, and all the spices until well combined. The mixture should be thick, smooth, and beautifully spiced.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (160°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Don’t worry if it cracks a little—it’s still going to taste amazing!

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Let the cheesecake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the cheesecake firm up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice it up, and enjoy every decadent bite! You can also top it with whipped cream, extra gingersnap crumbs, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra special touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours, 10 minutes

How to Serve Gingerbread Cheesecake

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light, airy touch to balance the richness of the cheesecake.

Gingersnap Crumbles: For extra gingerbread flavor, sprinkle some crushed gingersnap cookies over the top of the cheesecake.
With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for an added sweet finish.
As a Holiday Dessert: Serve this cheesecake at your holiday dinner or celebration. It’s perfect for impressing guests with its beautiful presentation and festive flavors.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: This cheesecake tastes even better the day after, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance.
No Springform Pan?: You can also make this cheesecake in a regular 9-inch round cake pan, just be sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Spice It Up: Want more spice? Add an extra pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the filling. It’ll really bring out the gingerbread flavor.

Gingersnap Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of gingersnap cookies, you can use graham crackers instead, but the gingerbread flavor won’t be as strong.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a store-bought gingerbread crust?
A1: Yes! You can use a pre-made gingerbread or graham cracker crust if you prefer to skip the homemade version.

Q2: Can I make this cheesecake without molasses?
A2: Molasses is key to getting that gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey for a slightly different taste.

Q3: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Q4: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q5: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A5: Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q6: How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
A6: Cracks are pretty common with cheesecakes. To reduce the chances, avoid overbaking and try baking at a lower temperature to allow the cheesecake to cook more evenly.

Q7: Can I add toppings to this cheesecake?
A7: Absolutely! You can top it with whipped cream, caramel sauce, gingersnap crumbs, or even candied pecans for some extra crunch.

Q8: Can I make this cheesecake without eggs?
A8: You can try using a vegan egg substitute, like flaxseed or chia eggs, but it may slightly change the texture of the cheesecake.

Q9: Is this cheesecake gluten-free?
A9: The crust contains gluten, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free gingersnaps or another gluten-free cookie for the crust.

Q10: Can I use a different spice mix for the filling?
A10: Sure! You can experiment with adding pumpkin pie spice or even a dash of cardamom for a unique twist on the classic gingerbread flavor.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cheesecake is everything you love about the holidays packed into one incredible dessert: rich, creamy, spiced, and utterly indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as the grand finale at your holiday dinner or simply treating yourself to something special, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Go ahead—bake it, slice it, and savor every bite of this festive dessert!