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Light Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These light gingerbread cheesecake bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect holiday dessert, featuring a tender gingerbread crust, a silky light cheesecake filling, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. They come together in under an hour and are a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, crushed fine)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons molasses (not blackstrap)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (one block full-fat and one block reduced-fat)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cold
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×9 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray.
  2. Make the gingerbread crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, molasses, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together when pressed between your fingers. If it feels too dry, add another teaspoon of melted butter.
  3. Press the crust into the pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while you make the filling.
  4. Start the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the sugar and beat for another minute until well combined.
  5. Add the yogurt and eggs: Beat in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until incorporated.
  6. Add the spices and flour: Sprinkle the flour, fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice over the batter. Fold them in gently with a spatula until just combined.
  7. Pour the filling over the crust: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the warm crust and spread it into an even layer. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
  8. Bake the cheesecake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. Do not overbake.
  9. Cool completely: Place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cold cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk, then beat on medium speed until fluffy. Add more milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  11. Frost and cut the bars: Once the bars are fully chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. Spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. Cut into 16 squares.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are essential for a smooth filling. Do not overbake; the center should jiggle slightly. Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting. The flavors improve after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cheesecake bars, light cheesecake bars, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting, gingerbread, easy dessert

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/light-gingerbread-cheesecake-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-best-holiday-dessert/