Festive Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe
This Festive Gingerbread Cheesecake combines the warm spices of gingerbread cookies with creamy, smooth cheesecake for a perfect holiday dessert. Featuring a spiced gingerbread cookie crust and a rich molasses-infused filling, it’s a delightful treat topped with optional whipped cream and gingerbread cookie garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Gingerbread cookies for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine the gingerbread cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add molasses, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly to the touch, indicating it is perfectly baked.
- Cool: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside, with the oven door slightly ajar, for 1 hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks. Then remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
- Serve: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream if desired and garnish with gingerbread cookies. Slice and enjoy this festive, creamy dessert!
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; the center should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
- Gradual cooling in the oven prevents cracks on the cheesecake surface.
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Use a water bath (optional) to further reduce cracking during baking.
- Gingerbread cookie crumbs can be made by crushing store-bought gingerbread cookies.
- This cheesecake can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Keywords: Gingerbread Cheesecake, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cheesecake, Molasses Cheesecake, Gingerbread Crust, Christmas Dessert
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/festive-gingerbread-cheesecake-recipe/
