Indulge in the holiday spirit with this Quick and Easy Eggnog Cheesecake, a delightful dessert that captures the rich, creamy essence of traditional eggnog in a luscious cheesecake form. This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
The base is made from a buttery graham cracker crust that perfectly complements the velvety filling, created with softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and, of course, a generous pour of eggnog. The addition of vanilla extract and a hint of nutmeg infuses the cheesecake with warm holiday spices, making it a comforting treat during the festive season.
Baked to perfection, this cheesecake boasts a smooth, creamy texture with a slight jiggle in the center, creating a delightful contrast to the crunchy crust. Once cooled and chilled, it is garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg for an elegant finish.
This Eggnog Cheesecake is sure to become a staple at your holiday celebrations, providing a deliciously festive touch to any gathering. Whether served as a centerpiece dessert or enjoyed as a late-night indulgence, this easy recipe allows you to celebrate the season with style and flavor. Enjoy each slice as you bask in the warmth and joy of the holidays!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form an even crust.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until fully combined.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. If using a water bath, wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking dish filled with water.
- Cool and Chill: Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle additional nutmeg on top for garnish. Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and enjoy!
Quick and Easy Eggnog Cheesecake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9-inch springform pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Aluminum foil (optional, for water bath)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form an even crust.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until fully combined.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. If using a water bath, wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking dish filled with water.
- Cool and Chill: Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle additional nutmeg on top for garnish. Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
Add-Ins: Consider folding in chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
Eggnog Substitute: If you don’t have eggnog, you can use a mixture of milk, cream, and a dash of nutmeg and vanilla as a substitute.
Chilling Time: Allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight will enhance the flavors and texture.
