Eggnog Cheesecakes
Eggnog Cheesecakes combine creamy richness with classic holiday spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, delivering a festive and smooth dessert that’s quick to prepare. These elegant mini cheesecakes provide a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety eggnog-infused filling, perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy family treats. Adaptable for various dietary needs, this recipe is a warm and delightful celebration of the season.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 mins
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crust is used)
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup eggnog (fresh, good quality)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a pinch of sugar. Press the mixture firmly into mini cheesecake pans or a muffin tin to form an even base. Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate eggnog, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon until the batter is fully combined and silky.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling evenly over the chilled crusts. Bake at 325°F (163°C) until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, usually about 20-25 minutes, for a creamy texture after cooling.
- Cool and Chill: Allow cheesecakes to cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely and develop full flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove cheesecakes from the pan, garnish as desired with freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon, whipped cream, or toasted pecans, and serve chilled for a richly festive treat.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a lump-free, smooth batter.
- Mix filling just until combined to prevent cracks caused by excess air.
- Bake cheesecakes in a water bath for gentle, even heat and to avoid surface cracking.
- Chill thoroughly to help cheesecakes set nicely and enhance their flavor.
- Use freshly ground nutmeg and cinnamon for the best aroma and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: eggnog cheesecake, holiday dessert, mini cheesecakes, festive dessert, creamy cheesecake, nutmeg, cinnamon, eggnog recipe, Christmas dessert