There's nothing like the rich, creamy flavor of Eggnog Cheesecake to bring holiday warmth to your dessert table. This cheesecake is infused with the classic spices of nutmeg and cinnamon and topped with a smooth layer of whipped cream. Each slice has that nostalgic eggnog flavor paired with the decadence of cheesecake—a perfect blend for the season!

The first time I made this Eggnog Cheesecake, I was looking for a show-stopping dessert for a holiday gathering. It was an instant hit, with friends and family asking for the recipe before they even finished their first slice! Let’s dive into how you can make this seasonal favorite at home.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cheesecake

This cheesecake isn't just a dessert; it's a holiday experience on a plate! Here’s what makes this Eggnog Cheesecake a must-try:

First, it combines two favorites: eggnog and cheesecake. If you’re already a fan of these holiday classics, this dessert brings them together in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting.

The texture is out of this world! This cheesecake is incredibly creamy, thanks to a blend of cream cheese and eggnog. It melts in your mouth with each bite, leaving a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon that’s perfectly spiced for the season.

Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is easier than it looks. The crust is a simple mix of crushed graham crackers and melted butter, and the filling comes together in just a few steps. The hardest part might be waiting for it to chill!

Lastly, it’s versatile. Want to add a personal touch? You can garnish it with a sprinkle of extra nutmeg, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients Notes

This Eggnog Cheesecake uses simple ingredients, each chosen to add the perfect holiday flavor and creamy texture. Here’s a look at the key ingredients you’ll need.

Cream Cheese – The base of any good cheesecake is high-quality cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing, creating a smooth, lump-free batter.

Eggnog – This is where the holiday flavor shines! Choose a classic, full-fat eggnog for a rich, creamy texture. The eggnog adds both flavor and liquid, so we don’t need much additional liquid in the recipe.

Nutmeg and Cinnamon – These spices are essential for capturing the traditional eggnog flavor. Freshly grated nutmeg has the best flavor, but pre-ground works too if that’s what you have on hand.

Graham Cracker Crumbs – For the crust, graham crackers bring a bit of texture and a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich filling. You can also use gingersnaps for a spiced twist!

Heavy Cream – Used in the whipped topping, heavy cream balances the richness of the cheesecake with a light, fluffy finish. Whipping it fresh makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

You’ll also need a springform pan and a roasting pan to set up a water bath, which helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake as it bakes.

How to Make This Eggnog Cheesecake

Making this Eggnog Cheesecake is straightforward, and each step brings you closer to a holiday dessert everyone will love. Let’s walk through the process.

Prepare the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated, then press them into the bottom of your springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then let it cool while you make the filling.
Make the Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and continue mixing until it’s light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and mix until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
Set up a Water Bath: Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath will help the cheesecake bake evenly and prevent cracks.
Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This slow cooling process helps avoid cracks.
Chill and Top: Once it’s cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Before serving, whip the heavy cream with a touch of sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for that perfect holiday look.

Storage Options

Cheesecake stores beautifully, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead of time. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any other odors in the fridge.
Freezer: Cheesecake freezes well, too! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw slices in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips: For the best taste and texture, serve cold directly from the fridge. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge rather than at room temperature for the best consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This Eggnog Cheesecake is versatile and easy to tweak based on your preferences or ingredients on hand. Here are a few ideas to try!

Crust Options: Swap the graham cracker crust for gingersnap cookies or a vanilla wafer crust for a different twist. Gingersnaps add a lovely holiday spice that pairs beautifully with the eggnog flavor.
Spiced Eggnog: If you have a favorite spiced eggnog, feel free to use it! Just note that spiced eggnog may make the cheesecake slightly richer, so reduce the cinnamon or nutmeg if needed.
Low-Fat Option: For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and eggnog. While the texture may be slightly less creamy, the cheesecake will still taste delicious and festive.
Topping Ideas: Instead of whipped cream, try topping the cheesecake with a caramel drizzle, white chocolate shavings, or crushed peppermint for a fun holiday twist.
Mini Cheesecakes: This recipe can also be adapted into mini cheesecakes by using a muffin tin. Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes and enjoy individually-sized holiday treats!

Experimenting with these variations can add new dimensions to this classic holiday dessert, making it your own signature treat.

Eggnog Cheesecake is a wonderful dessert for the holiday season, combining the familiar, nostalgic taste of eggnog with the creamy, comforting richness of cheesecake. With its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this dessert will quickly become a holiday favorite.