Eggnog Cheesecakes
Eggnog Cheesecakes combine the nostalgic, creamy, and spiced flavor of traditional eggnog with the smooth richness of cheesecake, making a perfect festive dessert for holiday celebrations. Whether served as a single large cake or individual mini portions, these cheesecakes are easy to prepare, deliciously indulgent, and ideal for pre-making to reduce holiday stress.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes (full), 20-25 minutes (mini)
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings (full cheesecake) or 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crust variation is used)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup eggnog, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture holds together. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan for a full cheesecake or into muffin tins for mini cheesecakes. Chill the crust briefly in the refrigerator to set.
- Mix the filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract, eggnog, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon until the filling is silky and fully combined.
- Pour and bake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust carefully. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45-55 minutes for a full-size cheesecake, or 20-25 minutes for mini cheesecakes. The center should be mostly set but slightly jiggly when done.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecakes to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor melding and firm up the texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and eggnog for smooth mixing.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to promote even baking and reduce cracking.
- Utilize a springform pan to easily remove the cheesecake without damaging it.
- Proper chilling is essential for the best texture and flavor development.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of full cheesecake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Eggnog, Cheesecake, Holiday dessert, Christmas dessert, Festive dessert, Mini cheesecakes, Gluten-free, Vegan adaptation