Creamy, rich, warmly spiced, and filled with the comforting flavors of the holiday season, today’s Dessert of the Day is Eggnog Cheesecake.
There are certain flavors that immediately bring back memories of the holidays. Cinnamon, gingerbread, peppermint, cranberry, and pumpkin all have their place, but few drinks capture the spirit of Christmas quite like eggnog. Its creamy texture and warm nutmeg flavor make it a holiday favorite—and those same qualities make it an incredible addition to cheesecake.
Eggnog Cheesecake takes everything people love about classic cheesecake and gives it a festive seasonal twist. You still get the buttery graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling, but eggnog, vanilla, rum extract, and nutmeg transform the dessert into something that tastes like Christmas on a plate.
The inspiration for today’s dessert comes from EatingWell’s Eggnog Cheesecake recipe. Their version yields 12 servings and combines a graham cracker crust with a reduced-fat cream cheese filling flavored with eggnog, rum extract, vanilla, and nutmeg.
Whether you’re planning Christmas dinner, attending a holiday party, looking for something special to bring to a family gathering, or simply craving a slice of creamy cheesecake, this dessert deserves a place on your list.
Why Eggnog and Cheesecake Work So Well Together
At first, turning eggnog into cheesecake might sound unusual, but the two are actually natural partners.
Traditional cheesecake already has a creamy, slightly tangy flavor. Eggnog brings additional richness along with the familiar warmth of nutmeg and vanilla.
Instead of overpowering the cheesecake, the eggnog complements it.
The result is a dessert with several layers of flavor:
Creamy: Cream cheese gives the filling its signature smooth texture.
Sweet: Sugar balances the natural tanginess of the cream cheese.
Warm and spicy: Nutmeg provides the recognizable holiday character associated with eggnog.
Aromatic: Vanilla adds another layer of sweetness and fragrance.
Festive: Rum extract provides the flavor traditionally associated with many versions of eggnog without requiring you to add rum.
Then there’s the graham cracker crust.
The buttery, slightly crunchy crust provides the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. Every forkful gives you a combination of smooth cheesecake and crumbly graham cracker goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The original EatingWell recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Eggnog Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup eggnog, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
These simple ingredients create an impressive dessert without requiring an enormous ingredient list.
How to Make Eggnog Cheesecake
Cheesecake requires a little patience, but don’t let that intimidate you. Most of the work involves mixing, baking, cooling, and waiting for the cheesecake to properly set.
The waiting might actually be the hardest part.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
You’ll need a 9-inch springform pan for this cheesecake. Wrap the outside of the pan tightly with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
The foil is important because you’ll eventually place the cheesecake inside a water bath. You want the water surrounding the pan without getting inside and soaking your graham cracker crust.
Lightly coat the inside of the springform pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Add the graham cracker crumbs to a medium mixing bowl.
Pour in the melted butter and add 2 tablespoons of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Mix everything together until the graham cracker crumbs are evenly coated.
The mixture should resemble damp sand.
Transfer it into your prepared springform pan.
Use the bottom of a measuring cup, drinking glass, or your fingers to firmly press the crumbs across the bottom of the pan.
Try to create an even layer.
Bake the crust for approximately 8 to 12 minutes, until it is set and lightly golden.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Allow the crust to cool for approximately 30 minutes.
Don’t turn off your oven—you’ll need it again shortly.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Eggnog Filling
Now comes the best part.
Place the softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl.
Add the remaining ⅔ cup of sugar.
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes soft and smooth and there are no noticeable lumps.
This is where room-temperature cream cheese becomes especially important.
Cold cream cheese can be difficult to blend and may leave little lumps throughout your cheesecake.
Once your cream cheese is smooth, add the eggs.
Add them one at a time.
Mix until the first egg has been incorporated before adding the second.
After adding your eggs, reduce the mixer speed.
Add the eggnog, rum extract, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and remaining salt.
Mix just until everything comes together into a smooth cheesecake batter.
Don’t continue beating unnecessarily.
Too much mixing can incorporate excess air into cheesecake batter, which may contribute to cracking as the cheesecake bakes and cools.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour your finished eggnog cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
Use a spatula to scrape every bit of filling from the bowl.
You don’t want to waste any of that creamy goodness.
Gently jiggle the springform pan to help level the filling and smooth the top.
Now place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.
Carefully pour warm water into the roasting pan until it reaches approximately halfway up the outside of your springform pan.
Be careful not to splash water into the cheesecake or inside the foil.
Your cheesecake is now ready for the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the oven.
Bake the cheesecake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
Don’t wait for the entire cheesecake to become completely firm.
Instead, look at the edges.
They should appear set and lightly golden.
The center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently move the pan. That’s exactly what you’re looking for. The center will continue setting as the cheesecake cools.
Step 6: Let It Cool Slowly
Cheesecake doesn’t like dramatic temperature changes.
When the baking time is finished, turn off the oven.
Prop the oven door open slightly and allow the cheesecake to remain inside for approximately one hour.
This allows it to cool gradually.
After one hour, carefully remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath.
Transfer it to the refrigerator.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least two hours before removing the sides of the springform pan and serving.
For an even easier holiday schedule, make the cheesecake the night before and allow it to chill overnight.
Why Does Cheesecake Need a Water Bath?
If you’ve never made cheesecake before, you might wonder why you’re putting your baking pan into another pan filled with water.
The technique is known as a water bath or bain-marie.
Cheesecake is essentially a type of baked custard. It contains eggs and dairy, which benefit from gentle and consistent heat.
The water surrounding the cheesecake pan helps moderate the temperature and creates a humid environment inside the oven.
That gentle environment helps the cheesecake bake more evenly.
Instead of the outside becoming dry and overcooked while you’re waiting for the middle to finish, the entire cheesecake cooks more gradually.
The result can be a smoother, creamier cheesecake.
The Secret to Smooth Cheesecake
Anyone who has made cheesecake knows one of the biggest challenges:
Cracks.
Fortunately, a cracked cheesecake still tastes delicious. And if you’re adding whipped cream, nobody may ever know.
But there are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting a beautifully smooth cheesecake.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Take your cream cheese, eggs, and eggnog out of the refrigerator ahead of time.
Room-temperature ingredients blend together more easily.
This is especially important for cream cheese.
Don’t Overmix
You want your cheesecake batter smooth, but you don’t need to beat it endlessly.
Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing.
Don’t Overbake
This is probably one of the biggest cheesecake mistakes.
People see the center moving and assume the cheesecake isn’t finished.
But that slight jiggle is what you want.
The cheesecake continues setting as it cools.
Cool It Gradually
Going directly from a hot oven to a cold kitchen can cause cheesecake to contract rapidly.
Allowing it to cool slowly inside the turned-off oven helps make that transition more gradual.
Give It Time
Cheesecake rewards patience.
Don’t rush the chilling process.
Several hours in the refrigerator—or even overnight—will give your cheesecake time to develop the dense yet creamy consistency you’re looking for.
Make Your Eggnog Cheesecake Look Beautiful
You can serve Eggnog Cheesecake completely plain and it will still be delicious.
But if you’re serving it for Christmas or another celebration, a few simple toppings can transform it into a show-stopping dessert.
Whipped Cream
Pipe little swirls of whipped cream around the outside edge.
It creates an elegant appearance without requiring professional cake-decorating skills.
Freshly Grated Nutmeg
Sprinkle a small amount of nutmeg over the top immediately before serving.
Not only does it look festive, but you’ll also get that wonderful nutmeg aroma when you bring the cheesecake to the table.
Cinnamon
A light dusting of cinnamon adds another warm holiday note.
White Chocolate
Use a vegetable peeler to create white chocolate curls and scatter them across the top.
White chocolate works especially well visually because it maintains the creamy winter appearance of the cheesecake.
Sugared Cranberries
Want a dramatic Christmas presentation?
Decorate the top with sugared cranberries.
Their bright red color against the pale cheesecake creates a beautiful holiday contrast.
Caramel Sauce
A light drizzle of caramel can add another level of indulgence.
Graham Cracker Crumbs
Sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs around the edge for a simple decoration that also hints at what’s underneath.
Turn It Into a Christmas Showpiece
If you’re serving this cheesecake as the centerpiece of your Christmas dessert table, presentation matters.
Place the cheesecake on a beautiful cake stand.
Pipe whipped cream around the perimeter.
Add sugared cranberries between the whipped cream swirls.
Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg across the center.
You could even place a few cinnamon sticks nearby as decoration.
Suddenly, you’ve taken a relatively simple cheesecake and created something that looks worthy of a holiday bakery display.
What to Serve With Eggnog Cheesecake
Eggnog Cheesecake is rich, so simple beverages often work best alongside it.
Try serving a slice with:
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Espresso
- Hot chocolate
- Hot tea
- Decaffeinated coffee
- Cold milk
- Eggnog
- Chai tea
Coffee is especially good because its slight bitterness provides a nice contrast to the sweetness and richness of cheesecake.
Make Eggnog Cheesecake Ahead of Time
One reason cheesecake is such a great holiday dessert is that you don’t need to make it right before dinner.
In fact, making it ahead of time can be better.
Think about Christmas dinner.
You’re already trying to coordinate the main course, side dishes, appetizers, drinks, and guests.
The last thing you need is another complicated dessert demanding oven space.
Make your Eggnog Cheesecake the day before.
Let it chill overnight.
Then, on the day of your celebration, all you have to do is decorate, slice, and serve.
That’s my kind of holiday dessert.
How to Get Clean Cheesecake Slices
You’ve spent hours making your beautiful cheesecake.
Don’t destroy the presentation while cutting it.
For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife warmed with hot water.
Dip the knife into hot water, wipe it dry, and make your first cut.
Then clean the knife before cutting the next slice.
Repeat between cuts.
It takes a little extra time, but you’ll get much cleaner-looking slices.
This trick is particularly helpful when you’re serving cheesecake at a party and want every piece to look beautiful.
How to Store Eggnog Cheesecake
Because cheesecake contains cream cheese and eggs, it should be kept refrigerated.
Cover leftover cheesecake tightly and return it to the refrigerator after serving.
If you’ve added whipped cream or other toppings, those may affect how well the decorated cheesecake stores, so you may prefer to decorate individual slices rather than the entire cake.
And while leftovers are certainly possible, don’t be surprised if there isn’t much left after everyone has had dessert.
Can You Freeze Cheesecake?
Cheesecake is also a dessert that generally freezes well.
For convenient portions, cut the chilled cheesecake into individual slices.
Wrap the slices carefully and place them into a freezer-safe container.
Then you can take out one slice whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Allow frozen cheesecake to thaw in the refrigerator before eating.
That means your holiday cheesecake can keep providing dessert long after the party is over.
Fun Ways to Change It Up
Once you’ve mastered Eggnog Cheesecake, you can experiment with different variations.
Gingersnap Crust
Replace the graham crackers with crushed gingersnap cookies.
The ginger flavor works wonderfully with eggnog and nutmeg.
Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust
Add a little cinnamon to your graham cracker mixture.
Mini Eggnog Cheesecakes
Instead of making one large cheesecake, prepare individual cheesecakes in muffin tins.
Mini cheesecakes are great for holiday parties because guests can grab their own individual dessert.
Chocolate Eggnog Cheesecake
Add a chocolate element with chocolate curls or chocolate sauce.
Caramel Eggnog Cheesecake
Drizzle caramel over each slice immediately before serving.
Extra Nutmeg
If you really love the traditional flavor of eggnog, finish each slice with freshly grated nutmeg.
Perfect for More Than Christmas
Eggnog Cheesecake naturally feels like a Christmas dessert, but don’t limit yourself.
It would also be delicious for:
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Friendsgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- Holiday parties
- Family gatherings
- Winter birthdays
- New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Day
- Office holiday parties
- Cookie exchanges
- Winter potlucks
If you find eggnog at the grocery store, that’s reason enough to make it.
A Dessert That Creates Holiday Memories
Food has an incredible ability to connect us with memories.
Certain recipes remind us of childhood.
Others remind us of grandparents, parents, family gatherings, Christmas mornings, or evenings spent sitting around the table talking long after dinner was finished.
Eggnog is one of those flavors.
Even the smell of nutmeg can instantly make the holidays feel a little closer.
That’s part of what makes Eggnog Cheesecake such a wonderful dessert.
It isn’t simply something sweet to eat after dinner.
It’s a dessert built around familiar flavors associated with celebration, family, tradition, and togetherness.
And sometimes those are the recipes people remember most.
Nutrition Information
The EatingWell version makes 12 servings, with one slice providing approximately 329 calories, 21 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein. The published nutrition facts also list 20 grams of total sugar and 316 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Remember that nutrition values can change depending on the brands you use, your portion size, and any additional toppings.
Whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate, or other additions will increase the final nutritional totals.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cheesecake
There are plenty of reasons to add this dessert to your holiday baking list.
It’s creamy without being boring.
It’s festive without requiring complicated decorations.
It’s familiar while still being different from ordinary cheesecake.
It can be made ahead of time, making holiday entertaining easier.
And perhaps most importantly, it tastes like the holidays.
If your family already loves cheesecake and eggnog, combining the two seems almost inevitable.
Dessert of the Day: Eggnog Cheesecake
Sometimes the best desserts aren’t about reinventing everything.
They’re about taking two things people already love and bringing them together.
That’s exactly what happens with Eggnog Cheesecake.
Classic cheesecake gives you the creamy texture, tangy cream cheese filling, and buttery graham cracker crust you already know and love.
Eggnog brings the holiday magic.
Nutmeg adds warmth.
Vanilla adds sweetness and aroma.
Rum extract adds another layer of classic eggnog flavor.
Put everything together and you’ve got a dessert that’s elegant enough for Christmas dinner yet comforting enough to enjoy curled up at home with a cup of coffee.
The original EatingWell recipe lists an active preparation time of about 50 minutes and a total time of roughly 4 hours and 10 minutes, including baking and cooling, so this is definitely a dessert worth planning ahead for.
When you finally cut into that chilled cheesecake and see the creamy filling resting over the golden graham cracker crust, you’ll know the wait was worth it.
Add a swirl of whipped cream.
Sprinkle a little nutmeg over the top.
Pour yourself a warm cup of coffee.
Then sit down and enjoy one seriously delicious holiday dessert.
Dessert of the Day: Eggnog Cheesecake — creamy cheesecake meets the warm, nostalgic flavor of the holidays in every bite.
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