Description
This Gingerbread Cheesecake is the perfect holiday dessert, combining the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. With a spiced graham cracker crust and a smooth gingerbread-infused filling, this cheesecake is a festive treat that will wow your guests and make your holiday celebrations even sweeter. A holiday classic with a twist!
Ingredients
Scale
For the gingerbread crust:
- 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
For the cheesecake filling:
- 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
For the topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon or crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish
Instructions
-
For the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ground gingerbread cookies, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the springform pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
For the cheesecake filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the heavy cream until the filling is silky and creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled gingerbread crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking:
- Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks.
- After the hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set fully.
For the topping:
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed gingerbread cookies for added flavor and festive appeal.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- You can make the cheesecake up to two days in advance, as it holds up well in the fridge.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle the cheesecake with caramel sauce or top it with chopped candied ginger.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of 12)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg