Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe: A Festive Holiday Delight

Creamy, rich cheesecake meets the beloved holiday eggnog in this decadent seasonal dessert that promises to steal the show at any winter gathering.

This luxurious eggnog cheesecake blends classic cheesecake techniques with the warm, nostalgic flavors of traditional holiday eggnog.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance through each silky bite, creating a dessert that feels like a festive celebration.

The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that complements the smooth, velvety filling.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making this cheesecake an instant crowd-pleaser.

Smooth cream cheese and real eggnog come together in a dessert that captures the essence of holiday comfort.

Prepare to wow your guests with this irresistible festive treat that turns an ordinary evening into a special memory.

Eggnog Cheesecake What Sets It Apart

• Transforms traditional eggnog into a rich, creamy cheesecake that captures the essence of seasonal celebrations.
• Uses a water bath method to ensure a perfectly smooth, crack-free cheesecake with a luxurious texture.
• Can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining during busy holiday gatherings.
• Combines the beloved taste of eggnog with classic cheesecake, creating a unique dessert that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.

Eggnog Cheesecake Ingredient Rundown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a delightful texture for the cheesecake.
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm, aromatic spice to complement the cookie base.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden foundation.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the rich cream cheese.
• Eggnog: Adds a classic holiday flavor and creamy consistency to the filling.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and help create a smooth, custardy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the cheesecake.
• Nutmeg: Introduces a traditional eggnog spice note to the filling.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Eggnog: Adds extra holiday flavor to the whipped cream.
• Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping.
• Nutmeg: Provides a final sprinkle of warm spice.
• Crushed Cookies: Adds a decorative and crunchy element to the finished cheesecake.

Equipment for Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake

• Springform Pan: Essential for easy cheesecake removal with removable sides.
• Foil: Used to wrap pan and prevent water leakage during water bath.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating smooth filling.
• Large Baking Pan: Needed for water bath technique when baking cheesecake.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining crust ingredients and cheesecake filling.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and incorporate eggs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cheesecake to cool evenly after baking.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and spread mixture into pan and mix ingredients.

How to Prepare Eggnog Cheesecake at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Carefully wrap a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water leakage.

Lightly grease the pan’s interior to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

Combine cookie crumbs, ground nutmeg, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Pre-Bake Crust

Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes until it sets and becomes slightly golden.

Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.

Gradually add sugar and eggnog, mixing thoroughly.

Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

Gently stir in vanilla extract, flour, salt, and nutmeg until the filling becomes silky and uniform in texture.

Step 6: Create Water Bath

Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish.

Carefully pour hot water into the outer pan, filling it approximately halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cheesecake for 65-70 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cake to rest for one hour.

Step 8: Cooling Process

Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Once at room temperature, refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight.

Step 9: Prepare Luxurious Topping

Whip cold heavy cream with additional eggnog and sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 10: Final Decorative Touch

Generously spread the eggnog whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.

Sprinkle with a dusting of ground nutmeg and crushed cookie crumbs for an elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Lush Eggnog Cheesecake

• Select fresh, high-fat cream cheese and full-fat eggnog for the richest, most luxurious cheesecake texture.
• Wrap pan tightly in foil to prevent water leakage and ensure even, gentle baking that prevents cracking.
• Avoid overmixing batter and bake at consistent temperature to keep cheesecake smooth and crack-free.
• Let cream cheese, eggs, and eggnog sit at room temperature for easier blending and smoother consistency.
• Dip knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for perfectly clean cheesecake slices.

Cheesecake Variations for Eggnog Lovers

• Vegan Eggnog Cheesecake: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream, and swap eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Cheesecake: Substitute cookie crumbs with gluten-free gingersnaps or almond flour crust to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Rum-Spiked Festive Variation: Enhance flavor by adding 2-3 tablespoons of dark rum or bourbon to the filling for an adult-friendly holiday dessert.
• Low-Sugar Lightened Cheesecake: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich, creamy texture.

Ways to Serve Eggnog Cheesecake

• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Serve this cheesecake as the star attraction at Christmas gatherings, creating a festive conversation starter that delights family and friends.
• Cozy Beverage Pairing: Complement the rich cheesecake with a warm mug of spiced coffee or a chilled glass of bourbon to enhance the eggnog flavor profile.
• Elegant Garnish Options: Decorate with candied pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or delicate cinnamon sticks to elevate the visual appeal and add extra layers of seasonal taste.
• Slice Presentation Tip: Cut clean slices using a hot knife dipped in water, wiping between each cut to ensure picture-perfect servings that showcase the creamy texture.

Storing Eggnog Cheesecake for Best Texture

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place plastic wrap directly on cheesecake surface to prevent moisture and prevent cracking.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze whole cheesecake or individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain creamy texture and prevent rubbery edges.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this eggnog cheesecake?

The key ingredients include cream cheese, eggnog, eggs, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, cookie crumbs, butter, and heavy cream.

• Is it difficult to make this cheesecake?

The recipe is moderately easy, requiring basic baking skills like mixing ingredients, preparing a water bath, and handling a springform pan.

• Why do I need to use a water bath for this cheesecake?

A water bath helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking by creating a moist, gentle heating environment around the cheesecake.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

You can swap graham crackers for other cookie crumbs and adjust nutmeg levels to taste, but try to keep core ingredients consistent for best results.

Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy eggnog cheesecake brings holiday cheer with its rich, spiced flavor profile. Silky cream cheese and warm nutmeg create a festive dessert perfect for winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) eggnog
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, very cold
• 8 ounces (226 grams) gingersnap cookies, crushed to crumbs

Sweeteners and Stabilizers:

• 1 cup (200 grams) white sugar
• 3 tablespoons (23 grams) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons (23 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Spices and Enhancers:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground fresh nutmeg (for crust)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) cold eggnog
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fresh nutmeg for topping
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• Small pinch sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Encase the 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil and apply a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. Combine cookie crumbs, ground nutmeg, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly across the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan to create a uniform crust.
3. Bake the crust for 8 minutes until it sets and appears slightly golden. Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate sugar and eggnog, blending until fully integrated.
5. Add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, well-combined filling.
6. Gently fold in vanilla extract, flour, salt, and additional nutmeg until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
7. Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish. Pour hot water around the pan, filling to approximately halfway up the sides, creating a water bath.
8. Bake for 65-70 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but set. Turn off oven, leave door slightly open, and let cheesecake rest for one hour.
9. Transfer cheesecake to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, refrigerate for minimum 8 hours or overnight to set properly.
10. Whip cold heavy cream with eggnog and sugar until stiff peaks form. Garnish cheesecake with the eggnog cream, sprinkle with nutmeg, and crush additional cookies for topping.

Notes

• Select high-quality cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling.
• Use freshly ground nutmeg for more intense, vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground spice.
• Ensure ingredients are well-mixed but avoid over-beating to prevent cracking during baking.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version of the crust.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg