There’s something magical about the holiday season, and when you combine that magic with a decadent dessert like Eggnog Cheesecake, it’s pure bliss. Imagine a creamy, smooth cheesecake infused with the rich flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon, all sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust. cheesecake truffles for dessert Just thinking about it makes me want to don my festive sweater and start baking right away! For more inspiration, check out this raspberry cheesecake bars recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought eggnog for Eggnog Cheesecake?
- How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
- Can I freeze leftover Eggnog Cheesecake?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, and everyone is gathered around the fireplace, sipping on eggnog while your Eggnog Cheesecake cools in the kitchen. The scent of spices wafts through the air, making everyone’s mouths water in anticipation. vanilla bean cheesecake cupcakes It’s a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Eggnog Cheesecake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules
- The creamy texture combined with festive flavors will impress your guests
- Visually stunning with its smooth top and crumbled crust, it’s a showstopper at any gathering
- This dessert is versatile enough to be enjoyed during the holidays or any cozy get-together year-round
I once brought this Eggnog Cheesecake to a family gathering, and you would have thought I had won a baking competition based on their reactions!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a crisp crust that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter holds the crust together; opt for unsalted to control salt levels.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness enhances flavors without overpowering them.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A mix of warm spices adds depth; you can also use nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra kick.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates that rich, velvety cheesecake texture we all love.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and moisture; choose full-fat for the best results.
- Eggs: Helps bind everything together; room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; avoid imitation for a more authentic taste.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient! Choose your favorite brand for that quintessential holiday flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl until well mixed. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan evenly.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar and mix until well incorporated.
Add Sour Cream and Eggs: Mix in sour cream until combined. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding another—this keeps your filling light.
Incorporate Eggnog and Vanilla Extract: Gradually pour in eggnog while mixing on low speed. Finally, add vanilla extract and mix just until everything is blended smoothly.
Bake Again: Pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and leave it inside with door ajar for 1 hour.
Letting it cool gradually helps prevent cracks!
Once cooled completely, refrigerate your Eggnog Cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to let those wonderful flavors meld together.
Serve with whipped cream on top if you’re feeling fancy (or just want to impress Aunt Martha)!
You’ve now successfully made an Eggnog Cheesecake that will be remembered long after those holiday lights are taken down! Enjoy every creamy bite as you create new memories around your table!
You Must Know
- This delightful Eggnog Cheesecake not only captures holiday flavors but also makes you the star of any gathering
- Its creamy texture and festive spice create a dessert that feels like a warm hug
- Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead treat for busy seasons
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the crust and pre-baking it. While it cools, whip together cream cheese, eggnog, and spices for the filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts or add crushed gingerbread cookies to the crust for an extra holiday twist. peppermint hot chocolate cookies. holiday fruitcake cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Eggnog Cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a silky texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid overmixing once eggs are added to prevent cracks
- Always chill before serving; flavors deepen as it cools!
It was Christmas Eve when I first made this Eggnog Cheesecake. My family couldn’t stop raving about how deliciously festive it was, and now it’s a staple holiday dessert! For more inspiration, check out this mini cheesecakes recipe recipe.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought eggnog for Eggnog Cheesecake?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works wonderfully and saves time during busy holidays.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Avoid overmixing and ensure the oven temperature is correct for even baking.
Can I freeze leftover Eggnog Cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months; thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Eggnog Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Eggnog Cheesecake this holiday season. This decadent dessert combines the warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon with a velvety cheesecake filling, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy get-togethers year-round, this easy-to-make cheesecake will impress your guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or nutmeg/cinnamon)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog (your favorite brand)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake crust for about 10 minutes until golden brown; let cool.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix well.
- Add sour cream; mix until combined. Incorporate eggs one at a time.
- Slowly add eggnog and vanilla extract while mixing on low speed until smooth.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and bake for 50–60 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
