Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

The Coziest Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crafting a delectable eggnog cheesecake brings festive cheer right to your holiday table.

Sweet aromas of nutmeg and vanilla will dance through your kitchen.

Creamy textures and rich flavors combine in this decadent dessert that celebrates winter traditions.

Seasonal spices weave magic into every silky bite of this classic treat.

Classic techniques merge with modern twists for an unforgettable cheesecake experience.

Guests will marvel at your baking skills and savor each luxurious slice.

Ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with this show-stopping dessert?

Eggnog Cheesecake Festive Favorites

  • Celebrate Holiday Magic: Transform your classic cheesecake into a festive delight with rich eggnog flavors that capture the warmth of seasonal celebrations.
  • Master Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a sophisticated yet simple dessert that impresses guests with minimal baking skills and maximum deliciousness.
  • Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Blend ingredients in one bowl, requiring just a few basic steps to produce a creamy, indulgent cheesecake that tastes like a winter wonderland.
  • Versatile Make-Ahead Option: Prepare this dessert in advance, allowing it to chill overnight, which makes party planning and hosting stress-free and convenient.

Key Ingredients for Eggnog Cheesecake

Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
  • Eggnog: Brings a festive holiday flavor and creamy consistency to the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Adds a classic eggnog spice and warming note to the dessert.
Garnish:
  • Ground Nutmeg: Optional topping that adds a finishing touch of holiday spice.

Eggnog Cheesecake Preparation Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake later.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid and even base for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, and flour until the mixture becomes completely smooth and free of lumps. Use an electric mixer for the best results.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture. Blend thoroughly after each egg, ensuring a perfect, silky texture throughout the filling.

Step 5: Add Festive Flavors

Gently mix in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. The combination will give your cheesecake that classic holiday flavor.

Pour the filling carefully over the prepared crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for the center to be almost set but still slightly jiggly. The cake will continue to set as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator. Sprinkle a light dusting of nutmeg on top if desired.

Slice and serve chilled, delighting in the creamy, festive dessert you’ve created.

Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cheesecake

  • Choose room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture.
  • Wrap the springform pan's exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage during baking.
  • Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the batter and baking in a water bath for gentle, even heating.
  • For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and use reduced-fat graham crackers.
  • Create a festive touch by sprinkling extra nutmeg or adding whipped cream before serving to enhance holiday flavors.

Flavor Options for Eggnog Cheesecake

  • Holiday Spice Blend Variation: Replace nutmeg with a mix of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice for a warm, festive flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Rum-Infused Version: Add 2-3 tablespoons of dark rum to the cheesecake batter for a boozy, classic eggnog taste.
  • Lighter Cheesecake Approach: Substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce overall fat content while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Eggnog Cheesecake

  • Holiday Cheer Slice: Create festive slices perfect for Christmas gatherings, sprinkled with extra nutmeg and served alongside cinnamon sticks for a warming presentation.
  • Eggnog Lover's Dream: Top each slice with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a light dusting of ground nutmeg to enhance the classic eggnog flavor profile.
  • Dessert Wine Pairing: Complement the rich cheesecake with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a cream sherry, which will highlight the creamy texture and holiday spices.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individual slices in cute holiday-themed boxes with a ribbon, making perfect homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or friends during the festive season.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water during baking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake – remove when the center is still slightly jiggly.

  • Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake actually tastes better when prepared 1-2 days in advance. The flavors develop and set perfectly when chilled overnight in the refrigerator.

  • Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake easier, you can use a regular cake pan. Just line it with parchment paper and be extra careful when removing the cheesecake.

Print
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Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

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

Description

Rich eggnog cheesecake celebrates holiday traditions with creamy indulgence. Smooth spices and graham cracker crust create delightful seasonal comfort you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup eggnog
  • 1 cup sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter

Spice and Flavoring Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325F (165C) and lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a uniform crust.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese, sugar, and flour until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure a smooth texture.
  5. Gently fold in eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg, stirring until the filling is well-blended and uniform.
  6. Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates proper doneness.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
  9. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to set and develop rich flavors.
  10. Before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of fresh nutmeg on top for an aromatic garnish, and slice chilled.

Notes

  • Use a measuring cup or the back of a spoon to firmly press graham cracker mixture evenly into the pan for a compact, sturdy base.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a silky-smooth texture without lumps.
  • Watch the cheesecake closely during the last 10 minutes of baking, as over-baking can cause cracking and dry texture.
  • Swap regular eggnog with dairy-free or low-fat versions for alternative dietary needs, maintaining the classic holiday flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 361
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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