Gingerbread Cheesecake

DifficultyBeginner

Rich and creamy Gingerbread Cheesecake made with molasses, warm spices, and a buttery graham cracker crust. This festive holiday cheesecake is perfect for Christmas, winter celebrations, and cozy dessert tables.

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Yields12 Servings
Prep Time35 minsCook Time1 hr 15 minsTotal Time1 hr 50 mins
Graham Cracker Crust
 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
 2 tbsp granulated sugar
 ½ tsp ground ginger
 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Gingerbread Cheesecake Filling
 32 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
 ¾ cup granulated sugar
 ¼ cup dark brown sugar
 2 tbsp cornstarch (or 3 tbsp all-purpose flour)
 ¼ cup molasses (unsulphured)
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 ¼ tsp ground cloves
 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
 ½ tsp salt
 ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
 ½ cup heavy cream
 4 large eggs, room temperature
Optional Toppings
 Whipped cream
 Gingersnap crumbs
 Caramel or molasses drizzle
 Candied ginger
Prepare the Pan
1
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

  • Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with two layers of heavy-duty foil.

Make the Crust
2
  • Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, ground ginger, and melted butter.

  • Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.

  • Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.

Make the Cheesecake Filling
3
  • Beat cream cheese on low speed until smooth and creamy.

  • Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cornstarch; mix gently.

  • Blend in molasses, vanilla, spices, and salt.

  • Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.

  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.

Bake (Water Bath)
4
  • Pour filling over crust and smooth the top.

  • Place pan into a roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides.

  • Bake for 75 minutes, until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.

Cool Gradually
5
  • Turn oven off, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside oven for 1 hour.

  • Remove from water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Finish & Serve
6
  • Garnish with whipped cream, gingersnap crumbs, or caramel drizzle before serving.

Pairing Suggestions
7

Toppings

  • Vanilla whipped cream

  • Salted caramel drizzle

  • Crushed gingersnaps

Beverages

  • Coffee or espresso

  • Chai latte or spiced tea

  • Mulled wine or eggnog

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust
 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
 2 tbsp granulated sugar
 ½ tsp ground ginger
 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Gingerbread Cheesecake Filling
 32 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
 ¾ cup granulated sugar
 ¼ cup dark brown sugar
 2 tbsp cornstarch (or 3 tbsp all-purpose flour)
 ¼ cup molasses (unsulphured)
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 ¼ tsp ground cloves
 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
 ½ tsp salt
 ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
 ½ cup heavy cream
 4 large eggs, room temperature
Optional Toppings
 Whipped cream
 Gingersnap crumbs
 Caramel or molasses drizzle
 Candied ginger
Gingerbread Cheesecake