Creamy Gingerbread Cheesecake with Maple Frosting Recipe
Creamy Gingerbread Cheesecake with Maple Frosting is a festive dessert blending cozy gingerbread spices with a smooth, velvety cheesecake base, topped with luscious maple frosting. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion craving, this dessert offers a comforting balance of warm spices, rich creaminess, and sweet maple finish that delights the senses.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups ginger snap cookies or graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Maple Frosting
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Prepare the Crust: Crush the ginger snap cookies or graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine them with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill the crust while preparing the filling to set it firmly.
- Mix the Spiced Cheesecake Batter: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add brown sugar and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in molasses followed by the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to infuse the batter with the warm gingerbread flavors.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the chilled crust and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. For best results, bake with a water bath and cool gradually with the oven door cracked open to prevent cracks.
- Prepare Maple Frosting: Combine softened butter, powdered sugar, and pure maple syrup in a bowl. Whip the mixture until light and fluffy. Once the cheesecake has completely cooled, gently spread the frosting over the top for a silky, sweet finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set completely. Slice and serve chilled, optionally garnished with toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar, and candied ginger pieces.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid cracks.
- Baking in a water bath helps maintain moisture and prevents cracking.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually by leaving the oven door cracked open after baking.
- The cheesecake tastes better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Maple frosting can be made a day ahead; bring to room temperature and whisk before spreading.
- To store leftovers, keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Cheesecake can be frozen up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Avoid reheating; serve chilled or let sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes for softer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: gingerbread cheesecake, maple frosting, holiday dessert, creamy cheesecake, spiced dessert, festive cheesecake