Skip to main content

Ginger Cheesecake Bars

A double dose of spice flavors these creamy bar cookies: Chopped candied ginger is mixed into the filling, and crushed gingersnaps compose the crust.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 4 dozen

Ingredients

12 ounces store-bought gingersnaps (about 45 cookies)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons sour cream
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger
Vegetable oil cooking spray

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch rimmed baking pan with cooking spray.

    Step 2

    Place gingersnaps in a food processor; pulse to a powder. Transfer to a small bowl, and stir in butter until well combined. Press gingersnap mixture evenly into bottom of prepared baking pan. Bake crust until firm, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, put cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium speed until smooth and softened. Mix in sugar, egg, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla until well combined. Mix in candied ginger.

    Step 4

    Pour the cream cheese mixture onto crust, and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until filling has puffed and feels slightly firm to the touch (do not let brown), 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, until set, about 1 hour. Cut into bars. Bars can be refrigerated in single layers in airtight containers up to 2 days.

Martha Stewart's Cookies
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.