Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday indulgence—Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake! This dessert is like a warm hug on a chilly winter night. The rich and creamy texture just melts in your mouth, and it’s packed with those cozy flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon that scream ‘holiday cheer.’ Every Christmas, my family gathers around the table, and without fail, this cheesecake steals the show. I remember my grandmother making it, her kitchen filled with laughter and that irresistible scent wafting through the house. It’s become a beloved tradition, and every slice brings back those cherished memories. Trust me, once you try this cheesecake, it’ll be a festive favorite in your home too!
Ingredients
To make this dreamy Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create that festive flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs – these will form a buttery base that’s just divine.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – this adds richness and helps the crust hold together.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – just the right amount to sweeten the cheesecake perfectly.
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened – this is where the creaminess comes from, so make sure it’s at room temperature!
- 1 cup eggnog – the star of the show that brings that holiday essence.
- 4 large eggs at room temperature – these help create a smooth and creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a splash of this adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – for that classic eggnog taste that warms the soul.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – because what’s the holiday season without a little spice?
How to Prepare Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and every step is worth it for that heavenly slice at the end. Ready? Let’s go!
Preparing the Crust
First, we’ll whip up that scrumptious crust! In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of finely crushed graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix them together until it looks like wet sand. This is the key to a buttery, crunchy base! Next, grab your springform pan and press this mixture firmly into the bottom. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to make sure it’s evenly packed. You want a solid foundation for our cheesecake! Once that’s done, set it aside while we make the filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
Now, onto the star of the show—the cheesecake filling! In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 packages of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until it’s super smooth and creamy. I love using a hand mixer for this, but a stand mixer works too! Next, add in 1 cup of eggnog, 4 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix everything until just combined; we want that beautiful blend of flavors without overmixing. Trust me, the smell will have you dreaming of Christmas!
Baking the Cheesecake
Finally, it’s baking time! Pour the luscious cheesecake batter over the crust in your springform pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) and let it bake for about 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool at room temperature for a bit, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows all those festive flavors to meld beautifully. Can you smell it already? Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth, delivering a taste of holiday bliss.
- Simple preparation that doesn’t require advanced baking skills—perfect for all home cooks!
- Festive flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon that instantly bring the holiday spirit to your table.
- Impressive enough for gatherings yet comforting for cozy nights in with loved ones.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs. This helps create that smooth, creamy texture we all love. Next, don’t skip the chilling time! Allowing the cheesecake to set overnight really enhances the flavors and gives it that ideal firmness. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter; you want everything combined but not whipped to death! Lastly, if you’re worried about cracks, you can place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking to create a steamy environment. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for this Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following information is a general estimate for one slice:
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
As always, adjust according to your own ingredients for the most accurate information!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delightful Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use a different crust? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of graham crackers, you can use crushed cookies like ginger snaps or even an Oreo crust for a unique twist.
How do I store leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day!
Can I freeze the cheesecake? Yes! You can freeze slices for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy another slice!
What can I serve with it? I love serving this cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. You could also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness!
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Totally! This cheesecake is perfect for making a day or two in advance, allowing all those festive flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to give it plenty of time to chill!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake is super easy! If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rarity), simply cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual slices for up to two months! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—just serve it chilled and enjoy that creamy goodness!
For more festive recipes, check out these Christmas cookies or this strawberry cheesecake for a delightful dessert experience!
Print
Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the flavors of traditional eggnog with a classic cheesecake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup eggnog
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggnog, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Garnish with whipped cream and additional nutmeg if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For best flavor, let the cheesecake sit overnight.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake, holiday dessert, cheesecake recipe, eggnog dessert