Dreamy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe: Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Crafting a decadent eggnog cheesecake brings winter’s most cherished flavors together in one irresistible dessert.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with classic holiday spices for a luxurious treat.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance across rich, creamy layers that melt delightfully on your palate.

Festive gatherings demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure indulgence.

Crumbly graham cracker crust provides a delectable foundation for the silky filling.

Seasonal ingredients transform an ordinary cheesecake into an extraordinary celebration of comfort and joy.

Each slice promises a magical moment of pure culinary bliss that you’ll want to savor slowly.

What Makes Eggnog Cheesecake A Holiday Favorite

• Celebrate Festive Flavors: Dive into a dessert that captures the essence of holiday cheer with its rich eggnog-infused creamy texture.
• Master Baking Brilliance: Perfect for home bakers looking to impress with a showstopping dessert that seems professional but is surprisingly simple to create.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this delightful cheesecake in advance, giving you stress-free entertaining and more time to enjoy with loved ones during the holiday season.
• Wow with Seasonal Charm: Transform a classic cheesecake into a festive treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering, from family dinners to holiday parties.

Ingredients For Eggnog Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Eggnog: Brings a festive holiday flavor and creamy consistency to the cheesecake.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet essence.
• Nutmeg: Adds a signature eggnog spice and aromatic touch to the dessert.

• Whipped Cream, Nutmeg: Optional garnishes that add extra richness and a decorative holiday flair to the finished cheesecake.

How To Make Eggnog Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 325°F. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and coat it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until they feel like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even base for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth. Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until the texture is completely uniform and free of lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This technique ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.

Step 5: Add Festive Flavors

• Eggnog
• Flour
• Vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg

Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Bake The Cheesecake

Pour the creamy filling over the prepared crust.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center will have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 7: Cool And Chill

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to help it set perfectly.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Before serving, top the cheesecake with fluffy whipped cream and dust with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a classic holiday touch.

Tips For Smooth And Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake

• Wrap the springform pan's exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage during baking, ensuring a perfectly smooth cheesecake texture.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee a silky, lump-free batter, so remove cream cheese and eggs from the refrigerator 30 minutes before mixing.
• Avoid overbaking by checking the cheesecake's doneness with a gentle shake; the center should wobble slightly like soft jelly.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting half with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version without compromising taste.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by using coconut cream cheese and almond milk eggnog, perfect for those with lactose sensitivities.

Fun Takes On Eggnog Cheesecake

• Dairy-Free Holiday Delight: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream cheese and use coconut milk eggnog for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Festive Cheesecake: Swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Lighter Seasonal Treat: Substitute full-fat cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese and use a sugar substitute like stevia for a reduced-calorie option.
• Rum-Infused Winter Classic: Add dark rum or bourbon to the filling for an adult-oriented flavor profile that enhances the traditional eggnog taste.

What Goes Well With Eggnog Cheesecake

• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Showcase this creamy eggnog cheesecake as the star of your Christmas dinner, creating a stunning display that will wow your guests.
• Festive Brunch Delight: Slice cheesecake into smaller portions and serve alongside morning coffee, turning a classic dessert into a special breakfast treat.
• Cozy Winter Gathering Dessert: Pair each slice with a warm mug of spiced rum or hot chocolate, enhancing the rich, nostalgic flavors of the eggnog cheesecake.
• Party Dessert Bar Star: Create an elegant dessert station with small cheesecake squares, offering guests a sophisticated and indulgent holiday nibble.

How To Store Eggnog Cheesecake Properly

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in.
• Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to maintain its texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate the cheesecake for up to 5 days, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate taste.
• Freeze individual slices or the whole cheesecake for longer storage, wrapping securely in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can, full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness for a classic cheesecake.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a consistent temperature, and use a water bath to create gentle, even heat around the cheesecake.

• Is it possible to make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps develop deeper flavors.

• Can I freeze this eggnog cheesecake?

Yes, wrap the cooled cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy eggnog cheesecake brings holiday cheer with its rich, festive flavors. Smooth cream cheese and warming spices create a delightful dessert you’ll savor during seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 1/2 cup) melted butter

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Optional Topping:

• Whipped cream, for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Create a firm crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar together until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a uniform texture.
5. Gently fold in eggnog, flour, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg, stirring until the filling becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
6. Carefully transfer the filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly wobbly center, which indicates proper doneness.
8. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal texture and flavor.
9. Before serving, optionally garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a delicate sprinkle of nutmeg for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Crush graham crackers finely and press firmly into the pan to create a compact, even base that won’t crumble when slicing.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and a creamy cheesecake texture.
• Place a water bath around the springform pan to prevent cracking and promote even baking with gentle, consistent heat.
• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free cream cheese for a celiac and lactose-intolerant friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg