This Eggnog Cheesecake is going to be your new favorite if you like creamy, cozy holiday treats.
It has a buttery graham cracker crust that holds everything together, and it tastes like warm eggnog.
The nutmeg whipped cream on top is the best way to end off the holiday season. This delicacy appears fancy, but it’s actually pretty simple to create, even if you’re not a pro at baking.
Believe me, this will impress your family and make you feel like a dessert star!
Tools Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Big basins for mixing
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Spoons and cups for measuring
- Spatula made of rubber
- Whisk
- A baking tray for the water bath
- Paper for parchment
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ¾ cups of graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup of sugar in the form of granules
- ½ cup of melted butter that isn’t salted
For the Filling of the Cheesecake:
- 3 blocks (24 oz) of cream cheese that has been softened
- ¾ cup of sugar in a granulated form
- Three big eggs
- ½ cup of eggnog
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
To make the Nutmeg Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream that has been chilled
- 3 teaspoons of powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Preparation and Baking Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start.
- In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Put the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan that has parchment paper on the bottom. Put in the oven for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Mix together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add one egg at a time, mixing until just incorporated.
- Add eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg to the mix and stir gently. Pour the filling over the crust that has cooled.
- Put the springform pan in a baking tray and cover it with foil.
- To make a water bath, fill the tray with hot water approximately an inch deep.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes at 325°F (160°C), or until the sides are firm but the middle is still a little jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in there for an hour with the door slightly open. Then put it in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight.
- In a cool basin, mix together cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the cheesecake that has cooled. For garnish, sprinkle with more nutmeg.
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake
- The temperature of the ingredients is quite important. Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This will make the batter very smooth and creamy.
- Don’t mix too much: Mix until everything is just incorporated to keep too much air from getting into the batter, which can produce cracks.
- Wrap Your Springform Pan Well: To keep water from getting in when baking in the water bath, put foil around the bottom of the pan.
- Cool Slowly: To keep the cheesecake from sinking or cracking, let it cool in the oven with the door cracked open for an hour.
- To make whipped cream, chill your bowl and whisk first. This will help it whip up faster and fluffier.
Variations and Storage
- No eggnog? Mix heavy cream with a little bit of nutmeg and vanilla.
- For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free cookies instead of graham crackers.
- Spice It Up: For more seasonal taste, add a little cinnamon or cloves to the filling.
- Dairy-Free: For a vegan variation, use cream cheese and eggnog alternatives that don’t have dairy in them.
Storing and Serving
- Make the cheesecake the day before and put it in the fridge overnight. With time, the flavors get even better!
- For the greatest texture, whip the cream right before serving. If you need to, you may keep it in the fridge for a few hours.
- Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil and freeze them for up to three months. Put it in the fridge overnight to thaw.
Final Thoughts
The best holiday treat is this Eggnog Cheesecake with Nutmeg Whipped Cream. It’s rich and tasty, and it’s great for sharing with friends and family. You will enjoy how easy it is to create and how beautiful it looks on the table, whether you are serving it at Christmas dinner or just for yourself. Try it out and let me know how it went in the comments. I can’t wait to hear what you think!