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Wholesome Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Wholesome Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars feature an oat-almond crust, a creamy spiced filling, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re a healthier holiday dessert that’s quick to make and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (56g) almond flour
  • 1/4 cup (48g) coconut sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 16 oz (452g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsulphured molasses
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons candied ginger, finely chopped (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the oats are finely ground and the mixture looks like coarse sand. Add the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture holds together when pressed between your fingers.
  3. Press the crust into the pan: Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom using the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the Greek yogurt, sugar, molasses, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just incorporated.
  5. Add the spices and cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Add to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low until smooth.
  6. Pour the filling over the crust: Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly to the edges. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  7. Bake the cheesecake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the bars sit in the oven for 10 minutes.
  8. Cool completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat on low speed until combined. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  10. Frost and slice: Once the bars are fully chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped candied ginger, if using. Use a sharp knife to slice into 9 or 16 bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Don’t skip room-temperature ingredients. No water bath needed. Watch bake time; center should jiggle slightly. Chill at least 4 hours for clean slices. Clean knife between cuts for neat edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cheesecake bars, healthy cheesecake bars, oat almond crust, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting, gluten-free cheesecake bars

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