Step 2

Preheat oven to 170°C (fan-forced).

Step 4

Grease and line a brownie tin (20cm x 28cm) with baking paper allowing for 2cm overhang to make it easier remove the slice from the tin.

Step 6

To make the gingerbread base and topping, beat the butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed until fluffy and lighter in colour (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 8

Add treacle, vanilla bean paste and egg, and mix until well combined.

Step 10

Add the flour, spices, bicarb soda and salt and mix until just combined (being careful not to overmix).

Step 12

Press 2/3 of the gingerbread dough in the base of the tin and level the top with an offset spatula or spoon. Set aside the remaining dough for the top of the cheesecake layer.

Step 14

For the cheesecake layer, beat the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer until combined. Add the sugar and flour and mix for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as required. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until just combined.

Step 16

Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the biscuit base and then crumble the remaining gingerbread dough on top of the cheesecake mixture. Bake for 40-45 mins until the edges are set. If it is browning too quickly cover with foil for the remaining bake.

Step 18

Let the slice cool completely in the pan then cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Step 20

Remove from the pan, cut into 12 x 6cm squares and serve.