There’s something incredibly comforting about the smooth, creamy taste of eggnog, especially when it finds its way into a luscious cheesecake. This Eggnog Cheesecake is everything you love about the classic holiday drink, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety filling infused with the warm notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and, of course, eggnog. [IMAGE]

The first time I made this cheesecake, it quickly became the highlight of our holiday dessert spread. Friends and family still talk about that "egg-cellent" cheesecake to this day! If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to wow your guests, this Eggnog Cheesecake is your answer. Let's dive into why this festive treat is a must-try for the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cheesecake

Get ready to fall in love with a holiday dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent! This Eggnog Cheesecake brings out all the cozy, festive flavors of eggnog in every creamy bite.

First off, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for the holidays. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, letting you focus on other parts of your holiday menu. This cheesecake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully.

The texture is wonderfully smooth and creamy, thanks to a blend of cream cheese, eggnog, and sour cream. Each slice feels like a holiday treat that melts in your mouth, while the graham cracker crust adds a bit of crunch for balance.

And don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, with simple steps that guide you through achieving the perfect consistency and flavor.

Best of all, it’s customizable! Whether you want to add a bit of rum extract for a boozy flair or adjust the spices to your preference, this cheesecake can be easily adapted to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

To create the perfect Eggnog Cheesecake, each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and a few notes on why they’re essential for this recipe.

Graham Crackers: The base of this cheesecake is a classic graham cracker crust, adding a slightly sweet, crumbly layer. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap this for a gingersnap crust for an even more festive twist.
Cream Cheese: For that signature cheesecake flavor and creaminess, make sure to use full-fat cream cheese and bring it to room temperature before mixing. This ensures the filling stays smooth and doesn’t develop lumps.
Eggnog: This is the star ingredient that infuses the entire cheesecake with warm, holiday flavors. Use a high-quality eggnog, whether store-bought or homemade, for the best taste.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon: These spices bring out the classic flavors of eggnog. If you’d like, sprinkle a bit of freshly grated nutmeg on top for an extra festive presentation.
Sour Cream: A small amount of sour cream balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the eggnog.
Rum or Vanilla Extract: While optional, adding a splash of rum extract or vanilla enhances the holiday flavor. Use rum extract for a hint of that classic eggnog "kick" without adding alcohol.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a 9-inch springform pan and either a water bath or baking tray for moisture control, ensuring a smooth, crack-free top on your cheesecake.

How to Make This Eggnog Cheesecake

Making this Eggnog Cheesecake is simpler than you might think! With just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to serving up a dessert that will leave everyone talking.

Prepare the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush your graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter and a pinch of sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until set, then let it cool while you make the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add in sugar, continuing to mix until well incorporated. Add in the eggnog, sour cream, and spices, mixing on low speed. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, blending until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish, then carefully pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for about 60-70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Refrigerate: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked open for 30 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and water bath, allowing it to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Your cheesecake will come out creamy, smooth, and full of that eggnog flavor we all know and love. It’s a holiday dessert with the perfect amount of sweetness and spice!

Storage Options

This Eggnog Cheesecake is ideal for making ahead of time. Here are a few storage tips to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
Freezer: For longer storage, slice the cheesecake and place each piece on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To thaw, transfer the cheesecake slices to the fridge overnight. For best flavor, enjoy it chilled straight from the refrigerator.

Variations and Substitutions

[IMAGE]

This cheesecake is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to try a few variations to make it your own!

Gingersnap Crust: Swap the graham crackers for crushed gingersnaps to add a spiced layer that complements the eggnog flavor.
Bourbon or Spiced Rum: For a boozy kick, add a tablespoon of bourbon or spiced rum to the filling. It will enhance the eggnog flavor beautifully.
Extra Spices: Add a dash of ground cloves or ginger for an even warmer flavor profile that brings out the holiday essence.
Chocolate Topping: Drizzle a bit of melted dark or white chocolate on top of the cheesecake before serving. The chocolate adds a rich flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the eggnog.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based versions, and use a non-dairy eggnog for a delicious dairy-free holiday dessert.

With so many ways to make this Eggnog Cheesecake your own, there’s no limit to the festive flair you can add. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite version!

This Eggnog Cheesecake is a holiday dessert that combines the best of creamy cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of eggnog. It’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy making, sharing, and savoring this festive treat!