Print

Quick Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

gingerbread cheesecake bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These quick gingerbread cheesecake bars combine a spiced gingerbread crust with a creamy cheesecake filling and tangy cream cheese frosting. Made with a box mix for convenience, they’re perfect for weeknight cravings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (14.5 oz) gingerbread cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg (for crust)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
  2. In a small bowl, combine gingerbread cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until a thick, crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, 1 egg, vanilla, ginger, and cinnamon. Beat until combined and silky. Pour over crust and spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 30 minutes).
  5. For frosting: In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until combined. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
  6. Once bars are cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Lift bars out using parchment, cut into 9 or 16 squares, and serve chilled.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. Let cream cheese and eggs sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before starting. Don’t overmix the filling to prevent cracks. Cool bars completely before frosting to avoid melting. Bars taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cheesecake bars, quick dessert, holiday bars, cream cheese frosting, box mix recipe

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/quick-gingerbread-cheesecake-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/