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Eggnog Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are rich, velvety, and warmly spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon on a buttery graham cracker crust. They’re perfect for Christmas dessert trays, potlucks, and make-ahead holiday entertaining.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20 bars
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 16 full sheets
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 24 ounces cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature (3 blocks)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk room temperature
  • 1 cup eggnog full-fat, store-bought or homemade
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg freshly grated if possible
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • freshly grated nutmeg for garnish, optional
  • sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping for serving, optional
  • crushed gingersnaps or graham cracker crumbs for sprinkling, optional

Instructions
 

  • Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides to lift the bars out later. Lightly spray the parchment and sides with nonstick spray. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.
    2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pour the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly across the bottom using your fingers and the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until very smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat for another 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to eliminate lumps.
    24 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, beating on low speed just until each is incorporated. Avoid whipping in too much air and scrape the bowl as needed.
    3 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk
  • Add the eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be slightly looser than traditional cheesecake due to the eggnog.
    1 cup eggnog, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Place the 9×13-inch pan on a large rimmed baking sheet to help buffer the heat and promote even baking. For a classic water bath, set the pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water around it halfway up the sides, ensuring the pan is leak-proof or well wrapped in foil.
  • Pour the eggnog cheesecake batter over the partially baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35–45 minutes, until the edges are set and slightly puffed and the center still has a gentle jiggle.
  • Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the bars sit inside for 20–30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Cool completely to room temperature.
  • Once at room temperature, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. To serve, lift the cheesecake slab out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg and crushed gingersnaps or graham crumbs if desired.
    freshly grated nutmeg, sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping, crushed gingersnaps or graham cracker crumbs

Notes

Room-temperature cream cheese and eggs are essential for a smooth filling. The center should still jiggle slightly when you pull the pan from the oven; it will finish setting as it cools. For cleaner slices, chill overnight and cut with a hot, clean knife. Eggnog sweetness varies by brand—if yours is very sweet, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the filling by 2–3 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword Cheesecake Bars, Christmas dessert, Eggnog Cheesecake Bars, Holiday Cheesecake, Make-Ahead Dessert
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