I think it’s safe to say that anything cheesecake will be consumed by me upon immediate exposure.
I’ve never met a cheesecake I didn’t like. And these bars with the ever-so-subtle taste of nectarines is definitely in that category. Besides, it’s practically health food because it contains 3 whole nectarines and ginger cookies. And ginger cookies are good for you because I said so. Say hello to Dr. Disarro!
Really though, the moment I got these nectarines from Door to Door Organics I immediately knew that they were going into cheesecake bars. Don’t ask me how I just know these things, it just happens. I see goat cheese and think “sweet potato.” I see apples and think “cinnamon and butter.” And when I saw those nectarines I thought “cheesecake.”
And then I made it happen.
The best part about these is they make a big batch to share with friends. Or eat entirely by yourself. You know, whatever. All I have to say is just eat them!
NECTARINE CHEESECAKE BARS WITH GINGER COOKIE CRUST
- 2 8-oz blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar + 2 Tbsp, divided
- 3 eggs
- 3 nectarines
- lemon zest from one lemon (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups crushed ginger cookies (I used Whole Foods 365 Brand)
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350. Mix together the cookie crumbs, 2 Tbsp of sugar, and the butter. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350 for 6-7 minutes. Remove from oven. Meanwhile, peel the nectarines with a paring knife and get all of the flesh off of the pit that you can – no need to make it look good. Process the nectarines with 1/2 a cup of the sugar well. In a mixer cream together the cream cheese and remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Add in the nectarine puree. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until very well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary. Re-grease the sides of the pan with the ginger cookie crust and then pour the cheesecake batter into the pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes until the cheesecake is set. Let cool at room temperature and the refrigerate before serving. Enjoy!
I’m saying forget ice cream – I scream you scream we all scream for cheesecake! (OK, and add a little ice cream on top ;))
Elle says
Whoa! I looove this flavor combo!
Mama Pea says
Holy crap.
That is all.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
Delicious! This is a great dessert.
Kat says
What a perfect summer dessert! I plan to make this as soon as nectarines are in season here.
Sasha says
I love nectarines, i LOVE cheesecake, and as for ginger…if i could marry it i would. What im trying to say is i think you may have just made my favourite treat EVER! Thank you, i am DEFINITELY going to try this asap!
(ps your photography is gorgeous 🙂 )
Urban Wife says
Ok, I love cheesecake. A lot. But there’s a little problem…my thighs don’t like cheesecake at all. In fact, they hate it. *Sigh* Can you see my dilemma? It happens every.single.time. 🙂
Ashley @ the fit academic says
wow, these look and sound AMAZING! How creative, too – i’ve never heard of this combo before!
janetha @ meals & moves says
You are a baking MACHINE. Yum.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Wow!! These sounds amazing! Love nectarines 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
YES! This looks soooooo incredibly tasty!
Erin says
I really like the ginger cookie crust. Sounds amazing.
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says
I am such a sucker for a good crust. And this one looks delicious.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Nectarines beat out peaches any day for me! love this 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Looks amazing!!!! I LOVE cheesecake, so this is right up my alley!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Yep….I love anything cheesecake too. Love the ginger crust on these!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
love nectarines!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
I love ginger cookie crust… and with this nectarine cheesecake especially!!
Blog is the New Black says
Nectarines are highly underused! YUM!
Sinful Southern Sweet says
This looks amazing! Gotta go find some ginger cookies at the store today!