Eggnog Cheesecake – Creamy Holiday Dessert Recipe

A Festive Dessert That Combines Two Holiday Favorites

If there were ever a dessert that embodied the cozy, indulgent spirit of the holiday season, it’s Eggnog Cheesecake. This dessert marries the rich creaminess of a classic cheesecake with the warm spices and festive flair of traditional eggnog. With hints of nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon, this cheesecake is the perfect make-ahead treat for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cold-weather celebration.

Whether you’re an eggnog lover or a cheesecake connoisseur, this dessert hits the sweet spot—literally.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cheesecake

• Festive twist on a classic: Traditional cheesecake with holiday spices
• Ultra-creamy texture: Thanks to eggnog and cream cheese
• Make-ahead magic: Even better after chilling overnight
• Elegant for parties, easy for bakers
• Customizable topping options

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional: 2 tbsp sour cream for added tang

For Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• White chocolate shavings
• Nutmeg dusting
• Eggnog glaze

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Combine graham crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
• Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

2. Make the Filling

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each.
• Stir in eggnog, vanilla, flour, and spices.
• Pour filling over cooled crust.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

• Bake in a water bath at 325°F for 55–65 minutes, until center is just set.
• Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and let cheesecake sit for 1 hour.

4. Chill

• Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Decorate and Serve

• Top with whipped cream and dust with nutmeg or cinnamon.
• Slice and serve chilled.

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🍽️ What to Serve With It

• Hot chocolate or non-alcoholic eggnog
• Spiced cider or chai
• Vanilla ice cream
• Cranberry compote or sugared cranberries
• Coffee with cinnamon stick stirrers

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🔁 Flavor Variations

• Gingerbread crust: Use gingersnaps instead of graham crackers
• Boozy version: Add a splash of rum extract or rum-flavored syrup
• Chocolate swirl: Add melted white chocolate to the filling
• Mini cheesecakes: Use muffin tins for bite-sized portions
• Eggnog glaze: Drizzle with a thick eggnog-powdered sugar glaze

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📦 Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store covered up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze whole or slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months
• Thaw: Overnight in the fridge, not on the counter

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📊 Nutritional Info (Per Slice Approx.)

• Calories: 390
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 28g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 6g

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🧠 Expert Tips

• Room temp ingredients are key for smooth batter
• Don’t overbeat—air bubbles lead to cracks
• Use a water bath for gentle, even baking
• Cool slowly to prevent sudden temperature shifts
• Chill overnight for best texture and flavor

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this without a water bath?
Yes, but the edges may crack. Bake low and slow and cool gently.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat yields best results, but you can substitute one block if needed.

Q: How do I prevent cracks?
Use a water bath, don’t overmix, and let it cool slowly.

Q: Can I add a crustless version?
Yes, but the crust helps anchor the texture. Use parchment for easy removal.

Q: What if I don’t like eggnog?
You might still enjoy it—eggnog flavor is subtle and blends with the cheesecake beautifully.

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✅ Conclusion: A Holiday Dessert Worth Repeating

Eggnog Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of holiday spirit and creamy decadence. It’s simple to prepare, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to impress guests of all ages. Whether you’re building a dessert table or baking for a cozy night in, this cheesecake will become your go-to holiday tradition.

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