Eggnog Cheesecake Bars: Your Number One Holiday Dessert!

The holiday season brings with it a symphony of cherished flavors, and few are as iconic as the rich, creamy taste of eggnog. Imagine capturing that festive essence in a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to enjoy! These delightful Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true for anyone craving a taste of the holidays in a perfectly portable form. Forget fussy holiday baking; this simple yet spectacular Eggnog Cheesecake Bar Recipe promises a creamy, spiced, and utterly irresistible treat that will have everyone reaching for more. Get ready to elevate your holiday dessert table!

Recipe Card will be inserted here.

Quick Glance Summary

These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a perfect fusion of a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth eggnog-infused cheesecake filling, and a sweet, spiced eggnog glaze. They’re an ideal make-ahead dessert, serving 16 people with a prep time of 45 minutes (plus chilling). The blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves offers a classic holiday warmth that makes them utterly irresistible.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these holiday showstoppers:

For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 cup quality eggnog
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves

For the Eggnog Glaze:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons quality eggnog
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish, optional)

 

Preparation Instructions

Get ready to bake the most festive dessert of the season! Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect Eggnog Cheesecake Bars.

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a firm crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add the quality eggnog, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce too much air and lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
4. Pour the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in the baking pan.
5. Bake the Cheesecake Bars: For a perfect, crack-free cheesecake, place the baking pan in a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, ensuring the water comes about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan (this creates a water bath).
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center jiggles only slightly when gently shaken.
7. Carefully remove the cheesecake pan from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before adding the glaze. This chilling step is absolutely crucial for achieving the perfect texture for your Eggnog Cheesecake Bars and is key to a truly successful Eggnog Cheesecake Bar Recipe.
8. Prepare the Eggnog Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of eggnog until a smooth glaze forms. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of eggnog a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
9. Glaze and Serve: Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, spread the prepared eggnog glaze evenly over the top. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, if desired.
10. Using the parchment paper overhang, gently lift the entire cheesecake out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between each cut for perfect slices. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more special:

1. Spiked Eggnog: For an adult-only treat, add 1-2 tablespoons of rum, brandy, or bourbon to the cheesecake filling or the glaze. Adjust the amount to your taste.
2. Gingerbread Crust: Swap out a portion of the graham cracker crumbs for crushed gingerbread cookies for an extra layer of holiday spice.
3. Chocolate Drizzle: After the glaze sets, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the bars for a beautiful contrast and added richness.
4. Whipped Cream Topping: Serve each bar with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.
5. Cranberry Compote: A tart cranberry compote or a few fresh cranberries on top before serving would add a lovely color and cut through the richness.

Reviews

Sarah L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely divine! These bars were the star of our holiday dessert table. So creamy and perfectly spiced. My family asked for the recipe immediately!”

David R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’m usually intimidated by cheesecakes, but this recipe was surprisingly straightforward. The eggnog flavor is spot on, and they disappeared in minutes. A new Christmas tradition for sure!”

Emily S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Delicious and festive! I loved the creamy texture. My only suggestion would be to really ensure the cream cheese is soft for the smoothest batter, but otherwise, a fantastic dessert.”

FAQ

Q: Can I make Eggnog Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them 1-2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling overnight enhances their flavor and texture.

Q: What kind of eggnog should I use?
A: Use your favorite brand of quality store-bought eggnog or homemade eggnog. The better the eggnog, the richer the flavor of your bars will be.

Q: Why do I need to use a water bath?
A: A water bath (bain-marie) helps the cheesecake bake evenly and gently, preventing cracks and ensuring a super smooth, creamy texture. It also adds moisture to the oven environment.

Q: How do I store leftover Eggnog Cheesecake Bars?
A: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A: Yes, you can! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—a truly spectacular holiday dessert that embodies the spirit of the season in every bite. These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a testament to the fact that festive baking can be both incredibly delicious and wonderfully manageable. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply looking for a special treat to share with loved ones, this Eggnog Cheesecake Bar Recipe is guaranteed to impress. Dive into the creamy, spiced goodness and make your holidays a little sweeter!

Recipe Note

For the cleanest cuts and presentation, make sure your cheesecake is thoroughly chilled before slicing. You can also briefly run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut to ensure perfectly smooth edges.