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To make Gingerbread Cheesecake Brownies, you need some simple yet tasty ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon ground ginger - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt For the cheesecake layer, gather these: - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients blend well to create a rich brownie with a smooth cheesecake twist. Each one adds flavor and texture. The spices bring warmth and cheer, making these brownies a perfect holiday treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both sugars until smooth. - Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. - In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy. - Add in one egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. - Pour half of the brownie batter into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. - Carefully dollop cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and spread gently. - Pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers together for a marbled effect. - Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick should come out mostly clean. - Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. - Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper edges and slice into squares. To get the best texture for your brownies, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined to keep them fudgy. Also, ensure your cream cheese is softened. This helps create a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps. For a richer taste, consider adding chocolate chips to the brownie layer. This adds a nice surprise with each bite. You can also experiment with additional spices. Try a pinch of allspice or cloves to boost that warm holiday flavor. Make your brownies look extra special by dusting them with powdered sugar. This adds a festive touch. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side. This makes for a delightful treat that everyone will love. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer, which will help create a creamier texture. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough brownies. Swirling Technique: For a beautiful marbled effect, use a knife to gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter without completely mixing them together. Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for easier cutting and to maintain their shape when sliced. {{image_2}} You can easily make these brownies gluten-free. Just swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This simple change makes a big difference. Your brownies will still taste rich and delicious. Want to spice things up? You can add a hint of peppermint extract. This gives your brownies a fun holiday twist. You can also mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit. These add texture and flavor. Try walnuts, pecans, or even cranberries for a festive touch. These brownies pair well with hot cocoa or spiced tea. The warm drinks balance the sweet flavors. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks. Slice them into small squares for easy serving. Guests will love this tasty treat! You can keep your gingerbread cheesecake brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method helps maintain their moist texture and flavor. If you want them to last longer, simply place the container in the fridge. This will extend their shelf life for several days. To freeze brownies, first let them cool completely. Cut them into squares, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, pull a brownie from the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm treat, you can also reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Gingerbread cheesecake brownies can last for up to five days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They will stay good for about a week in the fridge. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best taste. Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two before you need them. Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. If you want to make them even earlier, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. These brownies taste great on their own, but you can make them even better with a few extras. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a light touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream goes well too, adding creaminess to each bite. You might also enjoy pairing them with a cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa. These drinks will enhance the cozy flavors of the brownies. You now have all the steps to make delicious gingerbread cheesecake brownies. We covered the ingredients, baking tips, and even how to store leftovers. Remember, mixing the layers well creates a beautiful marbled look. You can also get creative with flavors and spices. Whether for a holiday treat or a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress. Try making them this week! Enjoy every bite of your tasty creation.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Brownies

Deliciously spiced brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  • Layer the Brownies: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Carefully dollop the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base, spreading it gently with a spatula. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl the two layers together for a marbled effect.
  • Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
  • Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

Serve these brownies on a festive platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Keyword brownies, cheesecake, gingerbread, holiday