Creamy & Irresistible Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe (The Ultimate Christmas Dessert)

This eggnog cheesecake is creamy, spiced, and full of holiday warmth. Each bite tastes like Christmas cheer wrapped in silky cream cheese and nutmeg. It’s perfect for gatherings or quiet nights by the tree with twinkling lights and soft music. One slice and you’ll see why it’s the showstopper dessert your table has been waiting for.

The Perfect Holiday Cheesecake

Eggnog cheesecake brings together everything we love about Christmas — cozy flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of festive spice. With rich cream cheese and smooth eggnog blended perfectly, this dessert feels like a hug in every bite. The buttery graham cracker crust adds the right crunch, while nutmeg and rum extract bring that classic eggnog taste. It’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday dinners where you want something memorable. You’ll need a bit of time for chilling, but the effort pays off once you slice into that creamy, spiced perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cheesecake

If you love eggnog, this cheesecake will instantly become a holiday favorite. The flavor is rich yet balanced, creamy yet light, and the spices make every bite taste nostalgic. The steps are simple, and you can make it ahead — which means less stress when hosting. The rum extract gives that signature eggnog flavor without any alcohol, making it family-friendly. Plus, it sets beautifully overnight, so your dessert is ready to serve when the guests arrive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, festive ingredients that blend into a luscious, creamy dessert. You likely have most of them already in your pantry or fridge.

For the Crust

You’ll need graham cracker crumbs for that classic base, brown sugar for sweetness, and a touch of nutmeg for warmth. Melted butter binds everything together, creating a crust that’s buttery and crisp once baked.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese gives the cheesecake its creamy texture. Sugar and a little flour help with smoothness. Eggnog adds rich flavor, while sour cream brings tang and lightness. Rum extract deepens the eggnog taste, and a sprinkle of nutmeg keeps the holiday spirit strong. Add eggs one at a time to get that perfectly silky filling.

For the Whipped Topping

Heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and rum extract come together to make a light, fluffy topping. A sprinkle of nutmeg over the top adds a festive touch and enhances presentation.

How to Make Eggnog Cheesecake

Step 1 – Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add melted butter and stir until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).

Step 2 – Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and flour, mixing until combined. Slowly pour in eggnog, sour cream, rum extract, and nutmeg, blending until silky. Add the eggs one by one, mixing gently after each addition to keep the batter light and creamy.

Step 3 – Bake in a Water Bath

Wrap the outside of your springform pan in foil to keep water from seeping in. Place the pan in a larger roasting dish and fill with warm water halfway up the sides. Pour the cheesecake filling into the crust. Bake for about 1 hour and 35 minutes until the center is almost set. Turn off the oven and let it rest inside for 30 minutes with the door closed. Then crack the door open and let it cool for another 30 minutes. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.

Step 4 – Chill and Set

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Unwrap the foil and let it cool fully before transferring it to the fridge. Chill for at least 5–6 hours, or overnight, for the perfect texture. The cheesecake will firm up beautifully as it chills.

Step 5 – Make the Whipped Topping

In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and rum extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle a little nutmeg on top for garnish.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Cheesecake

Start with room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps, and overmixing can add air, leading to cracks. Always bake slowly in a water bath; it creates a steamy environment that keeps the cheesecake silky and even. After baking, cool it gradually — rushing this step often leads to cracks or sunken spots. Plan ahead since the cheesecake needs several hours to chill and firm up. If a few cracks appear, don’t worry! Whipped cream covers everything beautifully, and it still tastes just as amazing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Store your eggnog cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to five days. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle. You can also freeze individual slices for up to two months; just wrap them well and thaw overnight in the fridge. The crust can be made a day ahead, so you can assemble and bake the cheesecake fresh when you’re ready. For best flavor and texture, always let it chill overnight before serving.

Recipe Notes and Variations

You can swap the graham cracker crust for a gingersnap version if you love spice. Drizzle caramel or white chocolate over the top for extra sweetness. If you prefer, use real rum instead of rum extract for a deeper, boozy flavor. This cheesecake is non-alcoholic as written, making it great for families. Its texture is creamy, dense, and perfectly balanced — just what you want in a Christmas dessert. Serve it chilled and savor each festive bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Recipes to Try

• Magic cake with eggnog for the holidays
• Caramel apple cheesecake bars
• Gingerbread cheesecake with holiday spices
• Christmas red velvet cheesecake
• Apple crisp mini cheesecakes
• Churro cheesecake recipe

Conclusion

This eggnog cheesecake captures everything magical about the holidays — creamy texture, cozy spice, and festive flavor. It’s the dessert that makes everyone stop and smile at the first bite. Serve it at your Christmas dinner or holiday gathering, and watch it disappear slice by slice. For even more festive baking inspiration, check out my Pinterest collection. This cheesecake isn’t just dessert; it’s a warm holiday memory in every forkful.

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