Gingerbread Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
This Gingerbread Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust is a festive holiday dessert that perfectly blends warm gingerbread spices with creamy, rich cheesecake. The crunchy gingersnap crust complements the smooth filling infused with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for Christmas celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Gingersnap Crust
- 2 cups crushed gingersnaps
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) to allow it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the cheesecake evenly.
- Prepare the crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed gingersnaps and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
- Make the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble and bake. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared gingersnap crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the springform pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when shaken gently.
- Cool and chill. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set and develop flavors before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Use a springform pan to easily release the cheesecake after baking.
- Do not overbake; the center should still have a slight jiggle to ensure creamy texture.
- Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Serve with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra garnish.