How to Make the Perfect Eggnog Cheesecake
American · Hard · 95 min · 12 servings
This decadent holiday cheesecake captures all of the beloved flavors of classic eggnog in a stunning creamy dessert form. The silky smooth filling infused with nutmeg and bourbon sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust for a truly festive showstopper.
Why this recipe works
This Eggnog Cheesecake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 95 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 450 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 packages cream cheese softened
- 1 cup store-bought eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Mix graham cracker crumbs with 5 tablespoons of melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes then allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until completely smooth and free of lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Slowly pour in the eggnog and ground nutmeg and mix until just combined.
Step 3: Bake in a Water Bath
Wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly in two layers of aluminum foil. Place in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the center is just barely set.
Step 4: Cool and Refrigerate
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door cracked for one hour to prevent cracking. Remove from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before removing from the pan and serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- store-bought eggnog → homemade dairy-free oat milk eggnog
- graham cracker crumbs → gingersnap cookie crumbs for extra holiday flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the water bath which almost always causes the cheesecake surface to crack deeply
- Overmixing the batter which incorporates too much air and causes the cheesecake to puff then sink
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 450 calories, 8g protein, 38g carbs, 30g fat, 0g fiber.
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