Description
Smooth Eggnog Cheesecake offers a rich, creamy texture combined with the warm, nostalgic flavors of classic eggnog spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. This festive dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both indulgent and comforting. Easy to make but impressive to serve, it features a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety spiced filling that will wow guests and bring seasonal cheer to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly grated preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even, compact base. Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
- Blend the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and mix until smooth. Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by eggnog, sour cream, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling into the chilled crust and gently tap the pan to release air bubbles. Bake at 325°F (163°C) until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle, avoiding overbaking to maintain creaminess.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and the texture firm up.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream for a lump-free, smooth batter.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent excess air and cracking.
- Baking in a water bath is recommended to ensure gentle, even heat and reduce cracking.
- Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon enhance the festive flavor better than pre-ground spices.
- Proper chilling is key for creamy texture and clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: eggnog cheesecake, holiday dessert, festive cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, holiday baking, nutmeg, cinnamon, holiday cheesecake