This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
Rich, creamy and full of festive flavor, gingerbread cheesecake jars are a treat that looks as good as it tastes. Layers of spiced ginger cookie crumbs, smooth cheesecake filling and sweet whipped topping come together in charming individual jars as single-serve desserts. They’re quick to prepare, making them perfect for parties, gifts or a make-ahead dessert. The warm spices pair beautifully with the tangy cream cheese, while the presentation feels special without much effort. These jars are a must for holiday dessert tables.
Gingerbread cheesecake jars have spiced cookie crumbs, creamy cheesecake filling and whipped topping. They’re quick to make and perfect for the holidays.
More festive sweet treats include gingerbread apple cake, 3D gingerbread tree cookies, gingerbread trifle, and pumpkin s’mores cookies.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple to prepare: Making this gingerbread cheesecake recipe is straightforward. You just need to combine the crust mixture and the filling mixture, put them in serving glasses and decorate with your chosen garnishes. You can even make them ahead of time (apart from the whipped cream topping and decorations) and keep them refrigerated.
Gorgeous to look at: There is no denying these cappuccino cheesecake jars are super-cute, which makes them ideal for a special occasion. And if you like to get creative in the kitchen, you can have fun picking out your decorations.
Easy to eat: Any gingerbread cheesecake fan is going to love this gingerbread cheesecake recipe. The subtle spices, sweet molasses, cream cheese, whipped cream, and other ingredients combine harmoniously to make one of the most delicious desserts you ever tried.
Gingerbread Cheesecake Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Gingersnap cookie crumbs: Create a spiced, crunchy base for the jars.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the cheesecake filling.
Salted butter, melted: Binds the crumbs for a sturdy layer and adds rich flavor.
Heavy cream: Whips to lighten the filling and gives a silky finish.
Cream cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy body of the no bake cheesecake.
Sour cream: Adds gentle tang and keeps the filling smooth.
Fancy molasses: Brings deep caramel notes and classic gingerbread color.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices with a soft, sweet aroma.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg create the signature gingerbread warmth.
Optional toppings: You can use anything you want to garnish this creamy cheesecake dish, although whipped cream, homemade caramel sauce, spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise, sprinkles (here) and gingerbread cookies work especially well.
How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecakes
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prepare the crust: Combine the cookie crumbs with the melted unsalted butter and sugar, and add some to each jar (or glass serving dish).
Beat the cream: Make whipped cream by beating the heavy cream until you get stiff peaks.
Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sour cream, and then add the spices and sugar, and beat some more, before adding the vanilla extract and molasses, and adding about two thirds of the whipped cream.
Assemble the gingerbread cheesecake recipe: Divide the cream cheese mixture between the jars or custard cups and chill for 2 hours.
The finishing touches: Top with the remaining whipped cream when you’re ready to serve, and add any decorations on top.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten free option: Use gluten free ginger snaps for the crust.
Dairy free swap: Choose dairy free cream cheese and whipped topping.
Extra spice: Add nutmeg or allspice for a bolder flavor.
Citrus twist: Mix in orange zest to brighten the cheesecake layer.
Serving Suggestions
After dinner: Enjoy this dessert after a dinner of smoked turkey, garlic butter fondant potatoes and roasted carrots.
With a drink: Paired with a coffee or even an after-dinner drink like a butterscotch white Russian, these make an incredible dessert that everyone at the table will love. With other sweet bites: You could serve marshmallow pops and maybe some of these Santa treats too.
How to Store Gingerbread Cheesecake Jars
Store: Leftovers should be fine for up to 3 days if refrigerated. Don’t leave them sitting at room temperature because they’re dairy-heavy and will spoil.
Freeze: If you want to freeze these, do so before you add the whipped cream and garnishes. Cover them with plastic wrap first. They should be fine for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Thaw: Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Top Tips
Soften cream cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump free filling.
Pack the crust: Press crumbs firmly so the layers stay neat.
Layer evenly: Use a spoon or piping bag for clean layers.
Chill before serving: Helps the flavors meld and the texture set.
Gingerbread Cheesecake FAQs
Any kind of glass container works for these, and glass is best because then you can see the beautiful dessert layers – the gingersnap crust, creamy texture of the gingerbread filling, and your chosen toppings. You might like to invest in a set of cute mini mason jars (these are so versatile!), custard cups or these unusual curvy dessert glasses.
The recipe ingredients list calls for fancy molasses, but what exactly is that? Use regular or fancy molasses here, and not the blackstrap kind which is very rich and will overwhelm the other flavours in the cheesecake filling. “Fancy molasses” is the sweetest, lightest molasses type, since it’s made from pure sugar cane juice, and it’s unsulfured so it’s milder. If you can find it, use it, otherwise use regular but not blackstrap molasses!
Gingerbread Cheesecake Jars Recipe
Gingerbread Cheesecake Jars
Equipment
- Mason Jars Mini, or Similar Jars
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ Cups gingerbread or gingersnap cookie crumbs
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ Cup salted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1 ½ Cups heavy cream, chilled
- 3 Cups cream cheese, brick
- ¼ Cup sour cream
- ½ Cup granulated sugar
- 1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ Teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ Cup fancy molasses
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings and Decorations
- whipped cream
- gingerbread cookies
- star anise
- cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix thoroughly the cookie crumbs, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and melted butter until it resembles course, damp sand.
- Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cookie crumb mixture into each jar or cup and lightly press with the back of a spoon. The amount will depend on the size of dish you are using.
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream on high until stiff peaks form, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove a third of the whipped cream to a separate bowl to use for topping. Set aside the remaining two thirds for now.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese with the sour cream until smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves and ground nutmeg and continue beating on high until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add the molasses and vanilla extract and continue beating until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the whipped cream to the bowl and fold in using a rubber spatula.
- Divide the cheesecake mixture evenly between the jars and spoon the mixture over the cookie crumb base.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with the set aside whipped cream, gingerbread cookies, star anise and cinnamon sticks when ready to serve, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Pack the crust: Press crumbs firmly so the layers stay neat.
Layer evenly: Use a spoon or piping bag for clean layers.
Chill before serving: Helps the flavors meld and the texture set.
Nutrition
Gingerbread cheesecake jars are a festive, make-ahead dessert that’s as pretty as it is tasty. With spiced cookie crumbs, smooth cheesecake filling and a fluffy topping, each spoonful is full of holiday flavor. They’re simple to assemble, travel well and make a thoughtful edible gift. Whether you serve them at a party or keep them in the fridge for an easy treat, these jars will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Other Recipes to Try
- This yummy Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake is a classic dessert you’ll love.
- Gingerbread Latte Dessert Rum Cocktail is so good!
- Treat yourself to the goodness of a Pumpkin Cheesecake.
- This Gingerbread Cheesecake is just perfect for the holidays too.
- Serve up Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping one day!
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
The spiced filling was rich and creamy. Everyone was obsessed with them!
This one exceeded my expectations! So flavorful! 🙂
OMG! That gingerbread flavor is such a treat to my taste buds.