Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Our Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars are the perfect union of gingerbread and cheesecake. They're perfect for the holidays and easy to whip together, and the bar form helps cut down on some of cheesecake's richness. The crust gets a special touch from crushed gingersnaps, while the cheesecake itself is full of warm spices and a deep molasses flavor. The filling is appealing to both the eyes and the palate—the molasses comes through and is compounded by the aromatics in the spices, allowing these cheesecake bars to taste and smell just like warm gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. The spices all work together to achieve a balanced flavor that doesn't overwhelm the cheesecake. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times when making the filling, as chunks of cream cheese can go unmixed. The molasses will definitely sink to the bottom of the bowl, so be sure to stir it in well so it fully incorporates. The crust can easily be made ahead of time. For super easy cleanup, line your baking dish with aluminum foil.