Festive Eggnog Cheesecake with Spiced Gingersnap Crust
Experience the holiday spirit with this luscious Festive Eggnog Cheesecake, perfectly complemented by a crunchy spiced Gingersnap Crust. The creamy filling features rich eggnog, smooth cream cheese, and a hint of rum extract, enhanced by warm cinnamon notes. This indulgent dessert is ideal for festive gatherings, impressing guests with its delightful flavor and beautiful presentation. Serve chilled and allow the festive flavors to unfold in every bite.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gingersnaps
12 ounces (crushed to a fine crumb)
Sugar
1/4 cup (for crust)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (for crust)
Salted Butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
Cream Cheese
32 ounces (softened to room temperature)
Large Eggs
4 (at room temperature)
Eggnog
1 1/2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
Granulated Sugar
1 1/4 cups (for filling)
All-Purpose Flour
3 tablespoons (for filling)
Rum Extract
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (to taste, for filling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking.
2
For the crust, crush the gingersnaps into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed gingersnaps with sugar, cinnamon, and melted salted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3
Press the gingersnap mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan to create an even layer.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping the bowl as needed.
6
Pour in the eggnog and mix until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, flour, and rum extract. Finally, sprinkle in the cinnamon to taste and mix until well combined.
7
Pour the creamy filling into the prepared gingersnap crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Allow the cheesecake to sit in the warm oven for an additional hour, which will help prevent cracks.
9
After the hour is up, transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack to come to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
10
Serve chilled, and enjoy the festive flavors with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Eggnog Cheesecake?
Festive Eggnog Cheesecake is a holiday-themed dessert featuring a creamy filling made of eggnog and cream cheese on a crunchy, spiced gingersnap crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What are the ingredients for the gingersnap crust?
The crust is made from 12 ounces of crushed gingersnaps, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 6 tablespoons of melted salted butter.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
A 10-inch springform pan is required to bake this cheesecake.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
How do I prepare the gingersnap crumbs?
You can crush the gingersnaps into fine crumbs using a food processor or a blender.
What is the first step in making the filling?
The first step for the filling is to beat 32 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, usually taking 2-3 minutes.
How many eggs are used in the cheesecake filling?
The filling requires 4 large eggs, added one at a time.
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Yes, the recipe allows for either store-bought or homemade eggnog.
What type of extract is used for flavoring?
One teaspoon of rum extract is used to provide a classic holiday flavor.
Does the cheesecake filling contain flour?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are mixed into the filling.
How long does the cheesecake bake in the oven?
The cheesecake bakes for exactly 1 hour at 325°F.
What is the cooling process immediately after baking?
After baking for an hour, turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake sit inside for one additional hour.
Why should the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door cracked?
Allowing the cheesecake to sit in the warm oven with the door open helps prevent the top from cracking during the cooling process.
How long should the cheesecake be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 6-8 hours, though overnight is recommended for it to set properly.
What should the crust mixture look like before pressing it into the pan?
The mixture of crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and butter should resemble wet sand.
Is the cream cheese used at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for the best results.
How much sugar is in the cheesecake filling?
The filling contains 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
What spices are used in the filling?
The filling includes 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, or more to taste.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter for the crust?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 tablespoons of melted salted butter.
What is the preparation for the eggs before adding them?
The 4 large eggs should be at room temperature before being added to the cream cheese mixture.
How do I ensure the filling is smooth?
Add the eggs one at a time and scrape the bowl frequently while mixing.
How much eggnog is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of eggnog.
How high should I press the crust in the pan?
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan to create an even layer.
What should I do once the cheesecake reaches room temperature?
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is described as creamy and smooth, enhanced by the richness of the eggnog and cream cheese.
Should the cheesecake be served warm?
No, the cheesecake should be served chilled to allow the festive flavors to unfold.
What tool should be used to smooth the top of the cheesecake?
Use a spatula to smooth the top of the filling before placing the pan in the oven.
What type of gingersnaps should be used?
Standard gingersnap cookies should be used and crushed into a fine crumb.
Is this a good recipe for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dessert for festive gatherings due to its impressive presentation and flavor.