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Holiday cheesecake should taste cozy and look party ready. This eggnog cheesecake recipe starts with a crunchy gingersnap crust and holds a silky filling blended with real eggnog, nutmeg and cinnamon. The texture is creamy yet light, so each slice feels rich without being heavy. A gentle water bath helps set a smooth top. Serve this holiday dessert plain or dress it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice.

A festive cheesecake with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary on a white plate.

Make the holidays sweeter with this eggnog cheesecake recipe featuring a gingersnap crust and a silky spiced filling. It slices clean and tastes like festive comfort.

You might also enjoy Italian rainbow cookies, eggnog tres leches cake, key lime pie, cranberry jello salad, and this creamy chocolate peanut butter pie.

A festive dessert twist on classic cheesecake, featuring cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.

Why You’ll Love It

Easy: There aren’t many steps involved in making this eggnog cheesecake and there’s nothing difficult about it. Even if you haven’t made a cheesecake before, you shouldn’t have any issues with this recipe.
Festive: Eggnog cheesecake makes a lovely festive dessert if you’re looking for something a little unusual but with special holiday flair.
Delicious: Everything from the gingersnap crumb mixture crust to the sweet and creamy filling is absolutely delicious. You might give your guests a small slice since it’s rich but they’re going to ask for seconds anyway!

A festive dessert that combines the creamy indulgence of eggnog cheesecake with the tartness of cranberries and a hint of refreshing rosemary. Perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Eggnog Cheesecake Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Gingersnap crumbs: Spiced cookie crumbs that bring crunch and aroma to the crust.
Butter: Melted fat that binds the crumbs and adds richness to this eggnog cheesecake recipe.
Cream cheese: Softened blocks whip into a smooth, creamy base.
Granulated sugar: Balances tang and sweetness while aiding structure.
Eggnog: Liquid dairy with seasonal flavor that enriches the batter.
Cornstarch: Gentle thickener that prevents a runny center.
Spices: Nutmeg and cinnamon for classic eggnog character.
Eggs: Emulsify the batter and help it set cleanly.

The ingredients for an eggnog cheesecake are shown on a marble table.

How to Make Easy Eggnog Cheesecake

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the gingersnap crust: Mix the cookie crumbs and butter together in a large bowl, and press into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan, then bake and allow to cool.
Start the eggnog filling: Beat cream cheese with sugar, before mixing in the eggnog, cornstarch and spices.
Add the eggs and fill the crust: Beat in the eggs and then pour the mixture into the cooled gingersnap crust.
Cook the eggnog cheesecake: Wrap the springform pan in foil (or use a springform pan cover) and bake cheesecake in a water bath in a baking pan in a preheated oven.
Let it cool: Crack open the oven door and let the cheesecake cool slowly in there and then finish cooling at room temperature. Chill for a couple of hours before serving.

A festive dessert, this eggnog cheesecake recipe features a gingersnap crust, topped with slices of pumpkin cheesecake adorned with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten free crust: Use gluten free gingersnaps for the crumbs and build the crust the same way.
Cookie swap: Try vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a milder crust.
Spice twist: Add a pinch of allspice or clove for deeper warmth.
Boozy note: Stir in a splash of rum extract for an adults only vibe.
Lighter style: Use Neufchâtel in place of part of the cream cheese for a softer finish in your eggnog cheesecake recipe.

A festive slice of eggnog cheesecake with cranberries on a plate.

Serving Suggestions

With savory bites: Enjoy Christmas tree puff pastry appetizers, Christmas tree themed antipasto and this yummy reindeer cheese ball.
With sweet treats: Serve marshmallow pops and maybe some Santa treats too.
With a drink: If you’d like to pair it with a festive beverage, consider a glass of limoncello or passion fruit martini.

A festive eggnog cheesecake with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.

How to Store Leftover Eggnog Dessert

Store: Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the fridge and stir it well before serving.

A festive slice of eggnog cheesecake with cranberries on a plate.

Top Tips

Room temperature dairy: Soft cream cheese blends smoother and prevents lumps.
Do not overmix: Beat eggs in gently to avoid excess air and cracks.
Mind the water line: Keep water below the foil seam to protect the crust.
Cool slowly: A gradual cool helps prevent cracking on top.
Warm knife: Wipe a warm blade between cuts for picture perfect slices.

A festive dessert, eggnog cheesecake, with cranberries on a plate.

Easy Eggnog Cheesecake FAQs

What’s the purpose of the cornstarch?

This ingredient helps make sure the cheesecake doesn’t crack during baking. If you don’t have any, you can leave it out and if it does crack you can disguise this with a topping or garnish!

What’s a nice way to garnish this eggnog cheesecake?

Anything from a drizzle of caramel sauce to sugared fresh cranberries, whipped cream flavored with eggnog, mini gingerbread men, or a sprig of fresh rosemary would look pretty as a garnish.

What kind of cream cheese is best to use?

Don’t use the spreadable kind. Make sure you use blocks of cream cheese and also opt for full fat for the richest, fullest flavor.

Do I need to make a water bath to cook this cheesecake?

A water bath is needed for this to cook properly without drying out or cracking but you might prefer to use a springform pan cover made from silicon rather than foil, as one tiny tear in the foil can ruin the cheesecake. If you often make cheesecakes or you plan to, you might want to invest in a silicon springform pan cover (here).

Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

5 from 48 votes

Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

This cheesecake layers a crunchy gingersnap crust with a silky eggnog filling. Warm spice adds cozy holiday flavor in every bite. It bakes smooth, cools clean and slices neatly for parties.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

For the Crust

  • 2 ½ Cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
  • 6 Tablespoons butter

For the Filling

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix together cookie crumbs and butter.
  • Pack into the bottom and sides of a round spring form pan. Bake for 5 minutes then remove and allow to cool and reduce the oven to 325°F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar. Add in eggnog, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg until smooth.
  • Beat in one egg at a time until just incorporated and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Pour the mixture into the crust. Use a springform pan cover (recommended) or wrap the springform pan tightly in tin foil and place in a water bath in the oven.
  • Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Turn off the oven, open the door a crack and let the cheesecake sit for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to come to room temperature.
  • Move to the fridge and chill for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Silicone spring form pan: I highly recommend a silicone spring form pan cover instead of foil for the water bath. One small leak in your tinfoil can ruin the entire
cheesecake.
Room temperature dairy: Soft cream cheese blends smoother and prevents lumps.
Do not overmix: Beat eggs in gently to avoid excess air and cracks.
Mind the water line: Keep water below the foil seam to protect the crust.
Cool slowly: A gradual cool helps prevent cracking on top.
Warm knife: Wipe a warm blade between cuts for picture perfect slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 608kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 516mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 1316IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 3mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

If your holiday table needs a showstopper that still feels homey, this eggnog cheesecake recipe delivers. The gingersnap crust brings crunch and spice while the filling stays creamy and smooth. A gentle water bath keeps the top tidy and the crumb tender. Serve it plain or add a little whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. It is festive, simple, and guaranteed to draw cheers with the first slice.

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Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 48 votes (43 ratings without comment)

7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    The eggnog cheesecake with the gingersnap crust was a total hit! Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced—it’s my new go-to holiday dessert.