Description
This Gingerbread Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread. Featuring a buttery Biscoff cookie crust and a decadent spiced cream cheese filling, it’s topped with fluffy cinnamon whipped cream and optional gingerbread men cookies for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet and spiced dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 32 Biscoff cookies (250g / 8.8oz package)
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Filling:
- 32 ounces cream cheese (904g), room temperature
- 1½ cups dark brown sugar (300g), packed
- ¼ cup molasses (60mL)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup heavy cream (175mL), room temperature
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (43g)
- 2 tablespoons malted milk powder (20g)
Toppings:
- 1 cup heavy cream (240mL)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Gingerbread cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with a criss-cross of aluminum foil to protect from water bath leaks.
- Make the Crust Mixture: Pulse 32 Biscoff cookies in a food processor until finely ground. Add 6 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pulse until mixture sticks together when pressed.
- Form the Crust: Press the cookie mixture evenly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool while preparing the filling.
- Cream the Cheese: Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat cream cheese on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl sides.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Mix in dark brown sugar, molasses, vanilla bean paste, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves on medium speed until combined, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, fully blending each before adding the next.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in ¾ cup heavy cream and mix until mostly combined. Scrape bowl and mix again briefly.
- Add Flour and Malted Milk Powder: Sift in all-purpose flour and malted milk powder, mix for 20 seconds, then scrape and fold with a spatula.
- Prepare Water Bath: Place the springform pan on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Pour Batter and Add Water: Pour filling into crust. Carefully pour 3 cups of hot water into the pan around the springform pan to create a water bath.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 300°F for 80-90 minutes until the center jiggles slightly like jello but is not liquid.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave door closed for 30 minutes. Then crack door open and cool for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Remove from oven, transfer springform pan to wire rack, and let cool to room temperature.
- Chill Overnight: Refrigerate cheesecake overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Make Whipped Cream Topping: Whip 1 cup heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate and Serve: Pipe whipped cream around cheesecake edge and garnish with gingerbread men cookies if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and use it to cut the cheesecake slices cleanly for perfect portions.
- Wrapping the springform pan bottom with foil prevents water bath leaks during baking.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
- The water bath helps prevent cracking by providing gentle, even heat.
- Chilling overnight improves cheesecake texture and flavor development.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/16 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg