Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog Cheesecake: Your New Christmas Staple?

Ever find yourself staring blankly at the dessert table during Christmas, thinking, "Not another Christmas pudding?" Honestly, me too! That's why I had to try my hand at crafting this eggnog cheesecake .

It’s like a proper hug in a dessert and definitely something special! The subtle spice and creamy texture will have everyone reaching for seconds.

This isn't your average cheesecake, this eggnog cheesecake recipe merges a classic dessert with the festive cheer of Christmas. Imagine it: A creamy, decadent Christmas cheesecake filling infused with the warmth of eggnog.

What started out as a simple gingersnap crust cheesecake idea, soon became a delicious addiction. It's a showstopper!

Why You'll Obsess Over This Festive Cheesecake

Alright, let's cut to the chase. This eggnog cheesecake isn't just delicious. It's got that "wow" factor. The combination of the gingersnap crust cheesecake and the spiced eggnog desserts filling is just chef's kiss .

Plus, the nutmeg in the eggnog is practically a health food, right? (Okay, maybe not, but let's pretend!). Serving this on Christmas is like giving everyone a big, warm hug.

It’s all about the holiday spirit and it’s a pretty straightforward recipe to put together, too, making it the perfect addition to your list of holiday dessert recipes .

It is medium complexity because you have to get the water bath right but it does not require a culinary degree.

It should take 9 to 10 hours to make, but most of that is chilling time. This recipe makes about 12 servings.

All About That Gingersnap Crust

Honestly, the best part? The gingersnap crust cheesecake . It gives the eggnog cheesecake a lovely bit of snap. Plus, that extra layer of spice is gorgeous.

It's basically Christmas in crust form. Trust me, you will be asked to make this Christmas cheesecake every year!

Now that I’ve convinced you why this recipe is a must try, let's dive into the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Eggnog Cheesecake Lowdown

Right, so you're gonna make an eggnog cheesecake . Ace! It’s way easier than you think, promise! This isn’t just any Christmas cheesecake; it’s the Christmas cheesecake .

It is an easy eggnog cheesecake , I swear! Honestly, it might become your new favourite of the holiday dessert recipes .

So, let’s gather our bits and bobs.

Main Ingredients for Your Festive Cheesecake

Let’s break it down. Here’s what you need for this gingersnap crust cheesecake dream, plus some pointers on what to look for.

• Gingersnap Crust :
  • 2 cups (225g) gingersnap crumbs, about 30 cookies.
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar.
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• Eggnog Cheesecake Filling :
  • 32 ounces (900g) cream cheese, softened. Quality check : Make sure it's full fat for that rich texture.
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar.
  • 1/4 cup (25g) cornstarch.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (or 1 tablespoon dark rum if you're feeling cheeky!).
  • 4 large eggs. Quality check: Fresh is best!
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) eggnog. Quality check: Go for a good quality, thick eggnog.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
• Optional Eggnog Whipped Cream :
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream.
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) powdered sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) eggnog.
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg.

Seasoning Notes: That Eggnog-y Zing

It's not just the eggnog that makes this amazing eggnog desserts .

Nutmeg is your main player here. Use freshly grated if you can. The pre-ground stuff is never quite as good.

The rum extract (or real rum, nudge nudge) adds a cheeky warmth that's pure holiday magic. Don’t be shy with it!.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need a kitchen gadget graveyard for this one. I've even baked no bake eggnog cheesecake , but this one is ten times better.

• A 9 inch springform pan is essential.
• Foil. Trust me, you’ll need it.
• A roasting pan big enough to fit the springform.
• An electric mixer. Unless you fancy a serious arm workout!.
• A food processor (optional, for smashing up gingersnaps).
• A spatula. For scraping every last bit of that delicious batter.

That's it!. Nothing too scary, right? Let's get baking that rum eggnog cheesecake . You've got this!.

Cooking Method: Turning Eggnog into Cheesecake Magic

So, you wanna make an eggnog cheesecake , eh? Honestly, it's easier than you think. I remember the first time I tried.

Oh my gosh, what a disaster! But hey, learning is part of the fun, right? You're basically taking the comfort of eggnog and putting it in a cheesecake.

It's like a Christmas cheesecake hug for your tastebuds. Let's get started!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organized! This is your "mise en place", fancy pants way of saying "get your sht together".

Soften that cream cheese, like, seriously soften it. Cold cream cheese = lumpy cheesecake. Nobody wants that. Grind up your gingersnaps for the gingersnap crust cheesecake .

Melt the butter, measure the spices. Doing this makes everything so much easier when you're in the middle of it.

Trust me.

step-by-step Process: Easy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

1. Crush those gingersnaps! Add sugar and melted butter and press into a springform pan. Chill that bad boy.
2. Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. It needs to be smooth as a baby's bum .
3. Add eggs one at a time. Then mix in vanilla, eggnog, and heavy cream. Finally nutmeg. Don't overmix!
4. Pour the filling over the crust. Wrap the bottom of your pan in foil. Water bath time.
5. Bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 60- 75 minutes . The center should still wobble a bit. Remember this it's very important!
6. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool for an hour. Then, chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours, but overnight is best.

Pro Tips: Secret Agent Cheesecake Skills

One thing to remember! Don't open the oven door while baking. This can cause the festive cheesecake to collapse. Also, get room temperature ingredients. Another holiday dessert recipes pro tip.

Wanna make this ahead? You absolutely can. The eggnog cheesecake bars version tastes better if you make it a day or two in advance.

As for common mistakes: Overbaking is the enemy. And for those feeling a bit cheeky, a splash of rum in the batter makes this a rum eggnog cheesecake !

This no bake eggnog cheesecake really delivers. Honestly, this easy eggnog cheesecake is one of my fave things to make this time of year. It's always a hit. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: My Eggnog Cheesecake Lowdown

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty! We're not just making any cheesecake; we're crafting a festive cheesecake masterpiece. Think of these notes as my personal cheat sheet to eggnog desserts success.

Honestly, these are the bits I wish someone had told me when I first tried this recipe.

Serving it up in Style: Plating and Presentation

Presentation is key, you know? We eat with our eyes first. For this eggnog cheesecake , I like to keep it simple but elegant.

A dusting of extra nutmeg on top is a must. I like to also go extra and garnish with a sprig of holly, if its Christmas .

For complementary sides, think tart! Cranberry sauce is a winner. It cuts through the richness perfectly. As for beverages? A steaming mug of spiced apple cider or a cheeky glass of Baileys goes down a treat.

Storing Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive

Right, let's talk leftovers. This eggnog cheesecake is fantastic the next day. Just wrap it tightly and pop it in the fridge.

It'll happily sit there for about 3-4 days. Freezing? You can , but honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. The texture can change a bit.

If you must, wrap it super well and freeze for up to a month. Reheating? No need! Serve it straight from the fridge for that lovely, cool, creamy texture.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Want to mix things up? I got you. For a dietary adaptation, try a no bake eggnog cheesecake version using a graham cracker crust and a gelatin based filling.

It's a lighter option. And for seasonal ingredient swaps, experiment with different spices. Cardamom or cloves can add a lovely warmth.

You could even try using a different type of cookie for the gingersnap crust cheesecake .

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff (Sort Of)

Okay, let's be real. This Christmas cheesecake isn't exactly a health food. But hey, it's the holidays! Enjoy it. In terms of nutrition, you're looking at roughly 450 calories per slice, with a decent amount of fat and sugar.

But it also provides some protein and calcium from the cream cheese and eggnog. Think of it as a treat for the soul! I also like to think about the health benefits of the spices!

So there you have it! My honest thoughts and tips on this eggnog cheesecake recipe . I hope this helps! And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun.

Don't be afraid to put your own spin on it. Go on, give this holiday dessert recipes a whirl and create something amazing.

I promise, you won't regret it! If you want you can also try to make an eggnog cheesecake bars or a more audacious rum eggnog cheesecake , is up to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

My eggnog cheesecake cracked! What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent it next time?

Ah, the dreaded cheesecake crack! Usually, it's caused by overbaking or a rapid change in temperature. Make sure you don't overbake your eggnog cheesecake it should still have a slight wobble in the center when you take it out.

Also, the water bath is key to even baking, and don't open the oven door too frequently. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar to prevent shocking it.

Can I make eggnog cheesecake ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Absolutely! In fact, it's better made a day or two in advance. The flavors meld beautifully during chilling. Store your eggnog cheesecake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can even freeze it for longer storage, just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. It will be just like you have popped down to Marks and Sparks for a little treat!

Is there a way to make this eggnog cheesecake recipe a little healthier?

While cheesecake isn't exactly known for being a health food, there are a few tweaks you can make. You could use a lower fat cream cheese, or reduce the sugar slightly though be careful not to compromise the texture too much.

Using a lighter gingersnap cookie option and skipping the whipped cream topping will also help cut down on the calories. Also watch your portion size - a little bit of what you fancy, eh?

Can I use a different crust for my eggnog cheesecake? I am not the biggest fan of ginger snaps

Certainly! While the gingersnap crust is a classic pairing, you can definitely get creative. A graham cracker crust would work beautifully, as would a shortbread crust for something a little more buttery. You could even try a chocolate cookie crust for a richer, more decadent twist on your eggnog cheesecake.

Go on, be a star baker!

I don’t have rum extract, is there anything I can substitute it with to still get that eggnog flavor?

No worries if you're out of rum extract! You can substitute it with a tablespoon of dark rum for a more authentic flavor, or even a splash of brandy. If you prefer to keep it alcohol free, increase the vanilla extract slightly and add a pinch more nutmeg.

The nutmeg is really what gives it that festive eggnog vibe in your cheesecake.

My cheesecake batter seems lumpy - what should I do to ensure a smooth eggnog cheesecake filling?

Lumpy batter is usually down to the cream cheese not being soft enough! Make absolutely sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing. You want it to be properly soft. Beat it well on its own before adding the sugar.

If you still have lumps, you can try using an immersion blender very gently to smooth it out, but be careful not to overmix.