Description
Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake blends holiday traditions with rich, velvety dessert magic. Festive spices and smooth cream cheese create a luxurious slice that celebrates winter’s warmest flavors in one delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) eggnog
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F (160C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Create the graham cracker crust by blending crumbs with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s base, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 325F, then remove and allow to cool completely while maintaining oven temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a silky texture.
- Gently fold in eggnog, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour, stirring until the mixture is uniform and velvety.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly and eliminating any air pockets.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center while edges appear set and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal flavor and texture before serving.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar content to create a lighter, more diet-friendly version of this decadent dessert.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by placing a water bath underneath while baking, which creates a more humid environment and helps distribute heat evenly.
- Create decorative toppings like whipped cream rosettes, caramel drizzle, or sprinkled nutmeg to enhance the festive holiday presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg