There’s nothing quite like the rich, festive flavor of Eggnog Cheesecake to bring holiday magic to the table. This creamy, spiced dessert combines the essence of traditional eggnog with a velvety cheesecake, creating a show-stopping treat perfect for seasonal gatherings. Imagine smooth cheesecake with hints of nutmeg and vanilla, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust!

I discovered this recipe when searching for a unique dessert to bring to our family Christmas dinner, and it quickly became a hit. Now, it’s a must-make every holiday season – bringing smiles and requests for seconds with every slice.

Why You'll Love This Eggnog Cheesecake

This Eggnog Cheesecake is an irresistible dessert that brings the warmth and spice of eggnog into a creamy cheesecake form. Here’s why it’s bound to become a holiday favorite!

First off, this dessert is packed with holiday flavors. With a hint of nutmeg, creamy eggnog, and a splash of rum extract (if you like), it’s like having your favorite seasonal drink in cheesecake form. It’s a true treat for the tastebuds!

This cheesecake is also surprisingly easy to make. There’s no need to fuss with fancy techniques – just mix, bake, and chill. The result? A dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually came together with minimal effort.

The texture is simply divine. The eggnog and cream cheese blend together to create a luscious, silky filling, perfectly complemented by the crunch of the graham cracker crust.

Lastly, this cheesecake is versatile. Serve it plain, or top it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a drizzle of caramel. You can even make it a day in advance, as the flavors only get better with time, making it a stress-free holiday dessert.

Ingredients Notes

To make the perfect Eggnog Cheesecake, each ingredient has a purpose in building a creamy, balanced, and delicious dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Graham Cracker Crust: A classic base for cheesecake, the graham cracker crust adds a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling. For an extra holiday touch, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumbs.
Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the cheesecake filling. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese and bring it to room temperature before mixing – this will make your cheesecake smooth and rich.
Eggnog: Store-bought or homemade eggnog will work here. The eggnog adds creaminess and a gentle hint of spice that truly brings holiday flavor to the cheesecake.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake to perfection. You could use a little less if you prefer a less-sweet dessert, but the recommended amount provides the ideal balance.
Eggs: Eggs give the cheesecake its structure, creating a smooth and firm texture as it bakes. Be sure to add them one at a time for the best consistency.
Nutmeg and Rum Extract: Nutmeg adds the classic holiday spice, and a splash of rum extract (optional) deepens the eggnog flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with a touch of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of dark rum for an even richer flavor.

How To Make This Eggnog Cheesecake

Making Eggnog Cheesecake is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning holiday dessert ready to impress!

Preheat and prepare the crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of cinnamon. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Mix the cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works well here to ensure the mixture is lump-free.
Add the eggnog and spices: Pour in the eggnog, and add the nutmeg and rum extract (if using). Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. The batter will be creamy and fragrant with a hint of holiday spice.
Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can cause cracks in your cheesecake as it bakes.
Pour and bake: Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, leave the door cracked, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for one hour – this helps prevent cracks.
Chill and serve: Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to fully set. Just before serving, sprinkle a little nutmeg on top for garnish, and add a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Storage Options

Eggnog Cheesecake is easy to store, making it a great dessert for prepping in advance. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s a dessert that tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors deepen over time.
Freezer: This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: For a slightly warm, custardy texture, let a slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating, though it’s delicious straight from the fridge too.

Variations and Substitutions

This Eggnog Cheesecake recipe is easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Spiced Crust: Add a touch of ginger, cloves, or even crushed gingerbread cookies to the crust for a spicier base that pairs beautifully with the eggnog flavor.
Boozy Twist: Swap the rum extract for 1-2 tablespoons of real dark rum or bourbon for a more adult-friendly flavor. This adds a deeper, warmer touch to the dessert.
Chocolate Topping: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a richer dessert. Chocolate and eggnog are a surprisingly delightful combination!
Eggnog Alternatives: If eggnog isn’t your favorite, you can swap it with a mix of milk and heavy cream and add a touch more nutmeg for that holiday flavor.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top each slice with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. This adds extra creaminess and holiday spice to each bite.

Conclousion

Whether you’re a die-hard eggnog fan or just looking to try something new for the holidays, this Eggnog Cheesecake is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Serve it to friends and family, and enjoy the compliments that follow – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the cozy flavors of eggnog to life in a dessert everyone will love.