Decadent No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert
As the holiday season twinkles into full swing, one flavor consistently captures the festive spirit: eggnog! This beloved seasonal drink, with its rich, creamy texture and warm spice notes, is more than just a beverage – it’s an invitation to celebrate. This year, why not transform your favorite holiday drink into an unforgettable dessert? Our easy and divinely creamy No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake recipe is guaranteed to be the star of your holiday feast, offering a luscious, warmly spiced treat that perfectly embodies the magic of the season. Forget the oven and lengthy preparations; this easy holiday dessert allows you more time to spend with loved ones, while still delivering a spectacularly decadent experience.
Imagine a dessert so extraordinarily creamy and rich, with that unmistakable spiced flavor of eggnog, all without the fuss of baking. This creamy eggnog cheesecake is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of comfort and joy. Its velvety smooth texture melts in your mouth, while the warming notes of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg dance on your palate, perfectly capturing the essence of Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this festive cheesecake is designed to impress and delight everyone at the table. Pour some extra love into your holiday preparations this season by creating this sensational unforgettable eggnog recipe!
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Eggnog Cheesecake
Crust Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
- Graham Crackers or Petit Beurre Biscuits: The base of any great cheesecake starts with a perfectly textured crust. Graham crackers provide a classic American crumb, while Petit beurre biscuits are a popular European alternative, offering a slightly different, delicate flavor. You can also opt for ready-made cookie crumbs to save time.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is crucial for binding the crust ingredients together, ensuring a firm and flavorful foundation. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your dessert.
- Brown Sugar: Beyond sweetness, brown sugar lends a wonderful molasses-rich flavor and a subtle chewiness to the crust, enhancing its depth and complementing the warm spices.
- Ground Ginger: This essential spice introduces a warm, subtly fiery kick to the crust, creating an inviting contrast and perfectly harmonizing with the creamy eggnog flavor profile in the filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: A universally loved spice, cinnamon adds a comforting warmth to both the crust and the cheesecake filling, and makes for a beautiful aromatic garnish. Its versatile and appealing flavor is a hallmark of holiday baking.
- Ground Cloves: With its bold, sweet, and pungent aroma, ground cloves awaken the smooth, creamy notes of eggnog, adding an extra layer of complexity and festive cheer to the crust.
- Cooking Spray: A light coating of cooking spray in your springform pan ensures that your beautifully set cheesecake can be easily released without any sticking, preserving its perfect form.
Filling Ingredients: The Creamy Heart of Your Dessert
- Cream Cheese: For the ultimate creamy texture, brick-style full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended. Ensure it’s fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps. For a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese can be substituted without compromising too much on flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar is the ideal sweetener for cheesecake, as it dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth filling. It also acts as a subtle thickening agent, contributing to the dense and delicious consistency of the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract beautifully complements and rounds out the creamy, custardy flavor of eggnog. For an interesting twist, consider using almond or brandy extract to deepen the holiday notes.
- Ground Nutmeg: This classic spice is indispensable for any eggnog recipe. It adds that quintessential warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor that defines the rich eggnog flavor profile, making every bite truly festive.
- Eggnog: The star of the show! Rich, creamy, and spiced eggnog infuses every decadent bite with unmistakable wintery charm. Use either high-quality store-bought homemade eggnog to ensure the best flavor.
- Water: Essential for blooming the gelatin powder, ensuring it dissolves smoothly and effectively thickens your cheesecake.
- Gelatin Powder: Plain, unflavored gelatin powder is the secret to a perfectly set, stable no-bake cheesecake. It gives the filling its structure without needing to bake.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped heavy cream is folded into the mixture, adding an incredible lightness and airiness, making the filling even more luxurious and decadent.
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon
For precise quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Your No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Spiced Graham Cracker Crust
The foundation of this easy eggnog cheesecake begins with a flavorful, spiced crust. This is a crucial step that sets the stage for the rest of your dessert.
- Step One: Begin by breaking your graham crackers or Petit beurre biscuits into smaller pieces. Place them in a food processor and pulse until they reach a fine, sand-like texture. Consistency is key here for a smooth crust.
- Step Two: To the cracker crumbs, add the brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Pulse again until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
- Step Three: Pour in the melted unsalted butter. Pulse just 5-10 more times until the mixture is fully coated and, when pressed between your fingers, sticks together. This indicates the perfect consistency for forming your crust.
- Step Four: Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper. Lightly spray the sides of the pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release later.
- Step Five: Firmly press the spiced graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or your knuckles to create a compact and even layer.
- Step Six: Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This allows the butter to solidify, creating a sturdy base for your filling.
Step 2: Mixing the Velvety Eggnog Cheesecake Filling
Now for the luscious, creamy filling that truly brings the eggnog Christmas dessert to life.
- Step Seven: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This is critical for a truly velvety cheesecake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Step Eight: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a hint of ground cinnamon, and the essential ground nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined and smooth, infusing it with those classic holiday flavors.
- Step Nine: With the mixer on a low speed, slowly whisk in the eggnog. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step Ten: In a separate small bowl, pour the water and then sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the top. Allow it to bloom for 1 minute, which means it will absorb the water and soften. Then, microwave the mixture for 10-20 seconds until the gelatin is completely dissolved and clear. Be careful not to boil it.
- Step Eleven: In another large, clean bowl, whisk the heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the dissolved gelatin mixture to the whipped cream while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks are achieved. This gives the cheesecake its light, airy texture and helps it set.
- Step Twelve: Gently fold large spoonfuls of the whipped cream mixture into the eggnog cream cheese mixture until everything is just combined. Be careful not to deflate the air from the whipped cream.
- Step Thirteen: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the chilled crust in the springform pan. Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles and use a spoon or spatula to smooth out the top.
Step 3: Chill, Garnish, and Enjoy!
- Step Fourteen: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap (or a plate if it fits) and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set. Proper chilling is essential for the perfect no-bake consistency.
- Step Fifteen: Once firm, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon, if desired. Slice and serve this delightful festive eggnog dessert and prepare for compliments!
Enjoy every delightful bite of this holiday cheesecake recipe!
For even more Christmas fun and flavor, try pairing this dessert with a delicious gingerbread cheesecake dip!
💛 More Delightful Eggnog Recipes to Explore
If you’re a true eggnog lover, the festive fun doesn’t stop with cheesecake! Here are more delicious recipes to help you savor the rich, creamy, and spiced flavor of eggnog throughout the holiday season:
- Homemade Eggnog: The ultimate base for all your eggnog creations!
- Eggnog Truffles: Bite-sized bursts of holiday flavor.
- Snowball Cocktail: A classic festive drink.
- French Press Eggnog Coffee: Elevate your morning coffee with a holiday twist.
- Potato Flour Cake with Eggnog: A unique and delicious pairing.
- Linzer Cookies with Egg Liqueur: Traditional cookies with a boozy kick.
- Advocaat Bites: Small, delightful eggnog snacks.
- Egg Liqueur Parfait: Layers of creamy indulgence.
- Stracciatella Egg Liqueur Milkshake: A refreshing eggnog drink with a twist.
- Boozy Eggnog Milkshake: For those who enjoy a little extra cheer!
🥜 Thoughtful Substitutions for Your Eggnog Cheesecake
Making this no-bake eggnog cheesecake adaptable to various dietary needs is simple. With a few tweaks, everyone can enjoy this festive treat!
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this gluten-free eggnog cheesecake, simply swap out the traditional graham crackers for your favorite brand of gluten-free cookies. Gluten-free gingersnaps or shortbread cookies work wonderfully and add another layer of flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer to skip the alcohol in your cheesecake, easily replace homemade or store-bought alcoholic eggnog with a non-alcoholic alternative. Many brands offer alcohol-free cooked eggnog, or you can make your own cooked eggnog without spirits.
🍸 Exciting Variations to Customize Your Cheesecake
Feel free to get creative with this eggnog cheesecake recipe! There are many delicious ways to personalize its flavor and texture:
- Gingerbread Crust: For an extra festive and spicy kick, transform the crust into a ginger crust cheesecake! Simply trade the graham crackers for crushed gingersnap cookies. The warmth of ginger perfectly complements the creamy eggnog filling, creating an even more cheerful holiday flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Gently fold in ribbons of melted dark or white chocolate into the cheesecake batter just before pouring it into the crust for a beautiful marbled effect and an added layer of indulgence.
- Crunchy Add-ins: For a delightful textural contrast, fold in some butterscotch, caramel, or even white chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter before chilling. This adds a fun crunch and bursts of extra flavor.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with additional holiday spices like a pinch of allspice or cardamom in the filling for a more complex aroma and taste profile.
- Liqueur Boost: If you’re using non-alcoholic eggnog but want a touch of spirit, a tablespoon of rum extract, brandy, or even a spiced liqueur like Kahlúa can be added to the filling for an adult twist.
🍽 Essential Equipment for a Perfect Cheesecake
Having the right tools makes all the difference when preparing this creamy no-bake cheesecake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Springform Pan: A 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan is the ideal vessel for this cheesecake, allowing for easy removal once set.
- Parchment Paper: To line the bottom of your springform pan, preventing the crust from sticking and ensuring a clean presentation.
- Food Processor: This invaluable tool makes preparing a fine, uniform graham cracker or biscuit crust quick and effortless.
- Electric Mixer: Cream cheese is dense and heavy, so an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a hand mixer) is essential to achieve a perfectly smooth, lump-free filling.
- Saucepan: A small saucepan is useful for melting butter for the crust or gently heating liquids if needed.
- Mixing Bowls: Several mixing bowls of various sizes will be needed for combining ingredients for the crust, filling, and whipping cream.
🌡 Storing Your Eggnog Cheesecake
Proper storage ensures your festive cheesecake remains delicious and fresh for days.
- Refrigeration: This no-bake eggnog dessert must be kept refrigerated. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic film.
- Chill Time is Key: For the best texture and to prevent the cheesecake from being too runny, ensure it is refrigerated for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving. This allows the gelatin to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze eggnog cheesecake! Tightly wrap the finished cheesecake (without garnish) in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to six months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
💭 Top Tips for No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake Perfection
- Cream Cheese Consistency: The most crucial tip for a perfectly smooth cheesecake filling is to ensure your cream cheese is completely softened and free of any lumps before adding other ingredients. If it’s still lumpy after initial beating, let it rest in the mixer bowl for another 15-20 minutes to soften further, then beat again, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed. Lumps will remain as cheesy chunks in your final cake if not addressed early.
- Gelatin Bloom & Dissolve: Don’t skip the blooming step for the gelatin! This allows it to hydrate properly. Also, ensure it’s fully dissolved after microwaving. Any undissolved granules can lead to a gritty texture in your cheesecake.
- Gentle Folding: When incorporating the whipped cream into the eggnog cream cheese base, fold it gently. This preserves the airiness of the whipped cream, contributing to the light and fluffy texture of your finished cheesecake.
- Homemade Eggnog Advantage: If you don’t have eggnog on hand, or simply prefer a richer flavor, consider making your own! Our deliciously easy recipe for Homemade Eggnog is fantastic for this cheesecake and other holiday treats.
🙋🏻 Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Cheesecake
Absolutely! Making this gluten-free holiday dessert is simple. Just substitute the graham crackers in the crust with your favorite gluten-free cookies, such as gluten-free gingersnaps or plain gluten-free digestive biscuits. This ensures everyone can enjoy a slice of this festive treat!
Yes, this eggnog cheesecake freezes beautifully! For best results, tightly wrap the finished cheesecake (without any fresh garnishes) in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freeze-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
When properly stored, your finished no-bake eggnog cheesecake will last deliciously for up to four days in the refrigerator. Always keep it covered to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors from your fridge.
This wonderful homage to eggnog is best enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator. Serve it in elegant slices, adorned with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a delicate pinch of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. For the ultimate holiday experience, pair a slice with a warm cup of coffee, a robust tea, or, if you’re feeling particularly festive, a snifter of holiday brandy or a glass of our homemade eggnog!
While a 9-inch springform pan is ideal for easy removal and presentation, you could also make this into individual mini cheesecakes using muffin tins lined with paper liners, or even a large square baking dish for a more rustic, scoopable dessert. Adjust chilling times accordingly for smaller portions.
If you make this scrumptious recipe, please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your delightful creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss it!
📖 Recipe: No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
By Nora
20
6
6 20
Cake, Dessert
American, Holiday
12 Slices
413 kcal
Equipment
- Springform pan 9 inch / 23 cm
- Parchment Paper
- Brush
- Food processor
- Electric Mixer
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Crust
- 10 sheets Graham crackers or Petit beurre biscuits.
- 7 tablespoon Unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoon Brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon Ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground cloves
- Cooking spray for the spring form
Filling
- 2 cups Cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ½ cup Eggnog
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Gelatin powder
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Cracker Crust
- Break graham crackers into smaller pieces, place them in a food processor, and process on high speed for 30 seconds until the crackers have a fine, sand-like texture.
- Add the brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to the food processor and pulse until well combined.
- Add the melted butter to the food processor and pulse 5-10 times until pieces are coated and stick together when pressed between fingers.
- Prepare the round springform pan (9-inch/23cm) with baking paper on the bottom. Lightly spray the sides of the pan with cooking spray.
- Press the seasoned graham crust evenly into the bottom and up the sides.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2 – Cheesecake Filling
- Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese until completely smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. If lumps persist, allow it to continue warming for 15-20 minutes, then mix again until smooth, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
- With the mixer on low, slowly whisk in the eggnog until just combined.
- Pour the water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin powder on top and allow it to bloom for 1 minute. Microwave the mixture for 10-20 seconds until completely dissolved (it should be clear).
- In a large clean bowl, whisk the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Slowly pour in the gelatin mixture and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly and gently fold large spoonfuls of the whipped cream into the eggnog cheesecake mixture until well combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake mix into the prepared crust and tap the pan gently on the table to remove any air bubbles. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the top of the cheesecake.
- Cover the cheesecake, ideally with plastic wrap (or a plate), and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) to allow it to set completely.
- Serve chilled with garnishes of whipped cream and cinnamon, if desired.
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Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Calories: 413kcal |
Carbohydrates: 36g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 28g |
Saturated Fat: 17g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g |
Trans Fat: 0.3g |
Cholesterol: 84mg |
Sodium: 275mg |
Potassium: 92mg |
Fiber: 0.1g |
Sugar: 22g |
Vitamin A: 1028IU |
Vitamin C: 0.3mg |
Calcium: 68mg |
Iron: 0.1mg
🤎 You Might Also Like These Festive Desserts
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Spooktacular Cheesecake with “Bloody” Raspberry Filling
- No-Bake Chocolate Ricotta Cheesecake
- No-bake Candy Cane Oreo Cake Pops
⛑️ Food Safety Guidelines
Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any meal or dessert. Please keep these general guidelines in mind:
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for any ingredients that require it (though this is a no-bake recipe, general safety is always good to remember).
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw ingredients (even though no raw meat here, this applies to eggnog if homemade with raw eggs, ensuring pasteurization is key).
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any food ingredients.
- Avoid leaving perishable food, especially dairy-based desserts like cheesecake, sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. Refrigerate promptly.
- Never leave cooking food unattended (applies more to baked recipes, but a good general rule).
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds if any part of the recipe involved cooking.
- Always ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove (for melting butter, etc.).
For further comprehensive information on safe food handling, please check the Safe Food Handling – FDA guidelines.