Name: Gingerbread Man Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

This Gingerbread Man Cheesecake is a festive and delicious dessert perfect for the holiday season. Combining a spiced gingersnap crust with a creamy molasses and cream cheese filling, it’s both comforting and elegant. Topped with whipped cream and adorable mini gingerbread men, it’s sure to impress your guests.

A round cheesecake with two clear layers; the bottom layer is a thick, crumbly brown crust, and the top layer is smooth, creamy white cheesecake filling. On top, there are eight small gingerbread men cookies standing upright, each placed on a swirl of white whipped cream with some crumbled brown cookie bits sprinkled around. The cake sits on a white marbled surface with soft, warm yellow bokeh lights blurred in the background. In front of the cake, there is a gingerbread star cookie decorated with white icing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and molasses together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing it to set and the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Before serving, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Finish by decorating with mini gingerbread men for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
If mini gingerbread men are not available, use gingerbread cookies or festive sprinkles for decoration.
Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
Use a springform pan to easily remove the cheesecake without disturbing the crust.
For a milder flavor, substitute molasses with dark corn syrup.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat slightly, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture.

How to Serve

A round cake with two layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled textured surface. The bottom layer is a thick, dark brown crust with a crumbly texture. The top layer is a smooth, creamy off-white cheesecake. On top of the cheesecake are eight swirls of white whipped cream evenly spaced around the edge. Each swirl holds a small gingerbread man cookie decorated with white icing for the face and buttons. Small brown crumb pieces are scattered between the whipped cream swirls on the cake's surface. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute gingersnap crumbs with graham cracker crumbs or another spiced cookie, but gingersnaps complement the gingerbread flavors best.

Do I need a springform pan to make this cheesecake?

While not absolutely required, a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake much easier and helps maintain its shape.