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Gingerbread Cheesecake with Spiced Mousse Recipe

4.6 from 753 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12-14 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Gingerbread Cheesecake is a festive dessert featuring a rich shortbread crust, spiced gingerbread-flavored cheesecake filling, and a luscious molasses mousse topping. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it combines classic holiday spices with creamy textures for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 3/4 cups (255g) Walkers shortbread crumbs (two 5.3 oz packages)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp (28g) butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (225g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp (25g) all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (173g) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 4 eggs

Molasses Mousse Topping

  • 1 1/4 cup (300ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) molasses
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened

Whipped Cream Decoration

  • 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 6 tbsp (44g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and grease the sides. Combine the shortbread crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool. Cover the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath step.
  2. Preheat for Baking Cheesecake: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
  3. Mix Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth and well combined, minimizing air incorporation to avoid cracking. Scrape down the bowl.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients and Spices: Add sour cream, molasses, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix gently on low speed until fully incorporated.
  5. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating slowly and scraping the bowl after each addition to ensure even mixing.
  6. Assemble for Baking: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly into the prepared crust. Place the springform pan (wrapped in foil) into a larger baking dish. Pour warm water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, ensuring water does not touch the foil edge.
  7. Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes at 300°F (148°C).
  8. Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 30 minutes.
  9. Further Cooling: Crack the oven door open slightly and leave the cheesecake to cool for an additional 30 minutes.
  10. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours or overnight until firm.
  11. Make Molasses Mousse: In a large bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, molasses, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold the whipped cream mixture gently into the cream cheese until fully combined.
  12. Top Cheesecake: With the cheesecake still in the springform pan, pour the mousse evenly on top and spread into a smooth layer. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the mousse sets.
  13. Prepare Whipped Cream Decoration: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  14. Decorate and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Pipe the whipped cream around the edges and decorate with gingerbread men or other festive decorations. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • This cheesecake features a rich shortbread crust that adds a buttery, crumbly texture complementing the creamy filling.
  • The filling is infused with traditional gingerbread spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—balanced by molasses for a warm holiday flavor.
  • The molasses mousse topping adds a light yet flavorful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the dense cheesecake base.
  • Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth texture.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight improves flavor and texture for the best results.
  • Decorate with gingerbread men or holiday-themed garnishes to enhance the festive presentation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 478
  • Sugar: 36.6g
  • Sodium: 333mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 16.3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12.2g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 46.2g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Protein: 9.6g
  • Cholesterol: 130.9mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/gingerbread-cheesecake-with-spiced-mousse-recipe/