Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Gingerbread Cheesecake, a rich and creamy dessert that beautifully embodies the spirit of the holiday season. This recipe features a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced cheesecake filling enhanced with warming notes of ginger and molasses, and a light molasses mousse topping for an extra layer of decadence. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home, this cheesecake is sure to impress guests and become a cherished holiday classic. With simple preparation steps and make-ahead options, you can enjoy this seasonal treat without any hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

1 3/4 cups (255g) Walkers shortbread crumbs (two 5.3 oz packages)
1 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp (28g) butter, melted
24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (225g) packed light brown sugar
3 tbsp (25g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (173g) sour cream
1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup (300ml) heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
3 tbsp (45ml) molasses
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
6 tbsp (44g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining it with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
Combine shortbread crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter; press into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.
Lower oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour until smooth; mix in sour cream, molasses, vanilla, spices, and eggs.
Pour filling into cooled crust; bake in a water bath for about 80 minutes until set. Cool gradually in the oven.
Chill for at least 5 hours or overnight before topping with whipped cream mixture made from heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, molasses, and spices.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 80 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. Consider adding finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added texture. For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.