Holiday Eggnog Cheesecake Delight
Indulge in the rich, festive flavor of this Holiday Eggnog Cheesecake Delight, a recipe lovingly crafted over a decade ago when I sought the perfect eggnog-inspired dessert. Combining the creamy, velvety texture of traditional cheesecake with the seasonal spices of eggnog—think nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of rum—this cheesecake will charm your taste buds and brighten your holiday gatherings. With a thick, buttery graham cracker crust that adds crunch and depth, every slice is a celebration of the season. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this delightful cheesecake is destined to become a beloved tradition in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
13.5 ounces (Use only Honey Maid brand)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (For crust and filling)
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (For crust and filling)
Butter
1 cup (Melted)
Sugar
1/4 cup (For crust)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
4 packages (8 ounces each) (At room temperature)
Large eggs
3 (At room temperature)
Large egg yolk
1 (At room temperature)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (For filling)
Sour cream
1 cup (At room temperature)
Pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (For filling)
Rum extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (For filling)
Nutmeg
2 teaspoons (For filling)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (For filling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
Prepare a 10-inch springform pan by lightly greasing it; wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
3
CRUST: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Pour in melted butter and sugar, and combine until crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan 1-2 inches high, depending on your preference for crust thickness. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat utensil to pack it tightly. Chill the crust in the freezer while preparing the filling.
4
FILLING: Boil a kettle of water for the water bath setup. In a large mixing bowl, beat the Philadelphia cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
5
Add the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape the bowl again.
6
Gradually add in the sugar and continue to beat for 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Then, incorporate the sour cream, pure vanilla extract, rum extract, and spices, mixing thoroughly and scraping the bowl to ensure an even consistency.
7
Pour the cheesecake filling into the chilled crust and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
8
Place the springform pan into a larger baking pan. Carefully fill the baking pan with the boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath helps to ensure even cooking.
9
Bake the cheesecake for 75 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. After baking, turn off the oven and slightly crack open the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about an hour. This prevents cracks.
10
Once the cheesecake has cooled, remove it from the oven, take off the aluminum foil, and dry the outside of the pan. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holiday Eggnog Cheesecake Delight?
It is a festive dessert that combines the creamy, velvety texture of traditional cheesecake with seasonal eggnog flavors like nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of rum.
What type of crust does this cheesecake have?
The recipe features a thick, buttery graham cracker crust seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Which brand of graham cracker crumbs is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Honey Maid brand graham cracker crumbs.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The cheesecake should be baked at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
What size springform pan should I use?
A 10-inch springform pan is required for this recipe.
How many packages of cream cheese are needed?
You will need 4 packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, each being 8 ounces.
Do the ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese, eggs, egg yolk, and sour cream should all be at room temperature for optimal mixing.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The filling uses 3 large eggs and 1 large egg yolk.
What extracts provide the signature flavor?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 1.5 teaspoons of rum extract.
How much nutmeg is in the filling?
The filling includes 2 teaspoons of nutmeg to create the eggnog taste profile.
How do I prepare the springform pan?
Lightly grease the pan and wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in during the water bath.
What is the purpose of the water bath?
A water bath ensures even cooking and helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
How high should the water reach in the water bath?
The boiling water should reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
How long does the cheesecake bake?
The cheesecake should bake for approximately 75 minutes.
How do I know when the cheesecake is finished baking?
The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when the baking time is complete.
How should I cool the cheesecake after baking?
Turn off the oven and slightly crack open the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool inside for about an hour.
How long does the cheesecake need to chill?
It needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred.
How much butter is used for the crust?
The crust requires 1 cup of melted butter.
Should I chill the crust before adding the filling?
Yes, the crust should be chilled in the freezer while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
How do I remove air bubbles from the batter?
Gently tap the pan on the counter after pouring in the filling to release any air bubbles.
How much sugar goes into the cheesecake filling?
The filling requires 1.5 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the role of sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream is incorporated into the filling to add creaminess and a slight tang.
Can I adjust the thickness of the crust?
Yes, you can press the crust mixture 1 to 2 inches up the sides of the pan based on your preference.
How long should I beat the cream cheese?
Beat the cream cheese alone for 1 minute until smooth before adding other ingredients.
What spices are used in the crust?
The crust contains 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much cinnamon is in the filling?
The filling contains 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total for this Holiday Eggnog Cheesecake Delight.
Why is the pan wrapped in foil?
Foil prevents water from the water bath from seeping into the springform pan and ruining the crust.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is described as creamy and velvety.
Can this recipe be a holiday tradition?
Yes, it is designed to be a festive, seasonal dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.