Description
Velvety eggnog cheesecake brings holiday magic to dessert tables with creamy richness and festive spices. Silky smooth filling nestled in a graham cracker crust promises delightful indulgence for winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 packages (8 ounces/226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) eggnog
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (76 grams) melted butter
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
Spice and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg. Compact the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid, even foundation for the cheesecake.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar to ensure a luxurious texture without lumps.
- Gently fold in eggnog and flour, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency, allowing each ingredient to blend harmoniously.
- Introduce eggs one by one, carefully incorporating each into the batter with gentle, precise strokes to maintain the mixture’s delicate structure.
- Enhance the flavor profile by adding vanilla extract and a sprinkle of nutmeg, distributing these aromatic elements evenly throughout the cheesecake mixture.
- Carefully transfer the batter onto the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution and smooth surface.
- Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F, allowing the cheesecake to bake for approximately 50-60 minutes until the center sets with a subtle, gentle jiggle.
- Once baking completes, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar, permitting the cheesecake to cool gradually and prevent sudden temperature shifts that could cause cracking.
- After the initial cooling period, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and let it chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal flavor and texture development.
Notes
- Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients for smooth, creamy texture.
- Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage if using a water bath for even baking.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and using coconut milk eggnog.
- Enhance flavor by adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the cheesecake batter for a more complex holiday taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg