Gingerbread Man Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This Gingerbread Man Cheesecake blends the warm spices of gingerbread with a creamy, smooth texture that’s perfect for the holiday season. With a crunchy gingersnap crust and festive mini gingerbread men on top, it’s both delightful to look at and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup whipped cream, for topping
• Mini gingerbread men, for decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the gingersnap cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and molasses together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to the cream cheese mixture, then beat again until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
6. Step 6: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream and decorate with mini gingerbread men for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the gingersnap crumbs lightly before mixing with butter.
• Substitute molasses with dark corn syrup if unavailable, though molasses gives the best authentic taste.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle depth of flavor.
• Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to ensure a perfectly smooth filling without lumps.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust for this cheesecake?

Yes, you can substitute the gingersnap crust with crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits, but the spicy ginger flavor will be less prominent.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cheesecake overnight?

While at least 4 hours of refrigeration is needed to set the cheesecake, chilling it overnight enhances the flavor and texture, making it creamier and easier to slice.

Gingerbread Man Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

This Gingerbread Man Cheesecake combines the cozy flavors of the holiday season with a creamy, smooth texture. Featuring a spiced gingersnap crust and a luscious molasses-infused cream cheese filling, topped with whipped cream and charming mini gingerbread men, it’s a festive dessert perfect for winter celebrations.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Topping

• 1 cup whipped cream, for topping
• Mini gingerbread men, for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the gingersnap cookie crumbs with the melted unsalted butter, mixing thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
2. Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and molasses together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Add spices: Mix in the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves into the cream cheese mixture, beating until everything is fully combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the spiced cream cheese filling over the prepared cookie crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing it to set and the flavors to meld.
6. Decorate and serve: Before serving, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Finish by decorating with mini gingerbread men for a festive touch.

Notes

• For best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
• If mini gingerbread men are not available, consider using gingerbread cookies or festive sprinkles as decoration.
• The cheesecake tastes even better when allowed to chill overnight, as the spices develop more fully.
• Use a springform pan to easily remove the cheesecake without disturbing the crust.
• Molasses adds rich depth to the flavor, but can be substituted with dark corn syrup for a milder taste if desired.

Keywords: Gingerbread cheesecake, holiday dessert, no-bake cheesecake, gingersnap crust, molasses cheesecake, Christmas dessert