Name: Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Bars: 1 Divine Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Crust:; 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp melted butter; For the Filling:; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup eggnog; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp rum extract; For Garnish:; Powdered sugar or gold edible shimmer

Eggnog cheesecake bars creamy has been a holiday tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. The first time I tried one, the rich, spiced flavor just melted in my mouth, and I knew I had found my new favorite festive treat. It’s that perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and warm eggnog spices that makes these bars so special. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to ensure it’s always incredibly smooth and utterly delicious. You’ll love how these easy eggnog cheesecake bars bring a little extra magic to your holiday gatherings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

These bars are a holiday dream come true, and here’s why:

The taste is absolutely divine – a perfect balance of rich, creamy cheesecake and warm, spiced eggnog.
They’re surprisingly quick to put together, making them an ideal addition to your busy holiday baking schedule.
While indulgent, they offer a delightful festive flavor without being overly heavy.
This Eggnog cheesecake squares recipe is budget-friendly, using common pantry staples for a decadent treat.
They are incredibly family-friendly, a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Making these homemade eggnog cheesecake bars feels special and rewarding.
The buttery graham cracker crust adds a wonderful texture contrast to the smooth filling.
This simple yet impressive Eggnog cheesecake squares recipe is perfect for potlucks or festive gatherings.

Ingredients for Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Whipping up these homemade eggnog cheesecake bars is a joy with these simple ingredients. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect base for the rich filling, while the cream cheese ensures that signature smooth texture we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – for that essential buttery, crumbly base
¼ cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the crust
6 tbsp melted butter – binds the crust together beautifully
16 oz cream cheese, softened – the heart of our creamy filling; make sure it’s truly soft!
½ cup granulated sugar – for the luscious cheesecake filling
2 large eggs – act as binders for the filling
½ cup eggnog – this is key for that festive flavor and moisture
1 tbsp all-purpose flour – just a touch to help set the filling
½ tsp ground nutmeg – adds that warm, cozy spice
½ tsp rum extract – enhances the eggnog flavor (optional, but recommended!)

Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake Bars: 1 Divine Recipe - Eggnog Cheesecake Bars Creamy - main visual representation

How to Make Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Creating these delightful bars is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these steps for a truly festive treat!

Crust Preparation

First, let’s get that perfect base going. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 6 tbsp melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly moistened and smells wonderfully buttery. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This creates the foundation for our creamy filling.

Filling Creation

Now for the star of the show! In a large bowl, beat the 16 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until they’re wonderfully smooth and creamy – no lumps allowed! Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, gently blend in the ½ cup eggnog, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ½ tsp rum extract. This mixture will form the base for your heavenly spiced eggnog cheesecake bars.

Baking and Chilling Process

Carefully pour the luscious filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle – this is key for that perfect, tender texture. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling time is crucial for achieving the texture of the best eggnog cheesecake bars, transforming them into a truly decadent and creamy baked eggnog cheesecake.

Pro Tips for the Best Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Want to elevate your eggnog cheesecake experience? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that guarantee fantastic results every time. These tips will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor that makes these bars so special.

Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This is crucial for a super smooth, lump-free filling that incorporates beautifully.
Don’t overmix the filling once the eggs are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the baked cheesecake.
Resist the urge to open the oven door too often during baking – this can cause temperature fluctuations and affect how the bars set.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy eggnog cheesecake bars?

The secret truly lies in softening the cream cheese completely and not overmixing the filling after adding the eggs. This ensures a wonderfully smooth texture, making for truly rich eggnog cheesecake bars that melt in your mouth.

Can I make eggnog cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after chilling!

How do I avoid common mistakes with eggnog cheesecake bars?

A common pitfall is using cold cream cheese, leading to lumps. Always ensure it’s softened! Also, be careful not to overbake; the center should still have a slight jiggle as this ensures a creamy, not dry, texture.

Best Ways to Serve Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

These delightful bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of festive accompaniments. For a truly special holiday treat, consider serving them chilled with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. They also make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter, complementing pies and cookies perfectly. Imagine these festive eggnog cheesecake bars alongside a warm mug of spiced cider or mulled wine – pure holiday bliss!

Nutrition Facts for Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

These creamy delights are a perfect holiday treat. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 190
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Keeping these delightful bars fresh is easy, ensuring you can enjoy their festive flavor for days to come. Once completely cooled on a wire rack, transfer your creamy holiday dessert bars to an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They actually get even better as the flavors meld together!

If you want to save some for later or make them even further in advance, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator. If you desire a slightly warmer treat, you can gently warm them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes, but they are truly best served chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Can I substitute the eggnog in this eggnog cheesecake bar recipe?

While eggnog is the star flavor, you can achieve a similar creamy texture with other liquids. For a less traditional but still delicious option, try using whole milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of rum or rum extract. You could also use a plain, unsweetened plant-based milk if needed, though the flavor profile will change significantly.

What is eggnog cheesecake?

Eggnog cheesecake is essentially a classic cheesecake infused with the warm, spiced flavors of traditional eggnog. It typically includes eggnog in the filling, along with spices like nutmeg and sometimes cinnamon, creating a rich, festive dessert perfect for the holidays. This eggnog dessert bar recipe captures that essence in an easy-to-serve bar form.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing my eggnog cheesecake bars?

For the cleanest cuts, use a long, sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This helps the knife glide through the chilled cheesecake bars smoothly, preventing the filling from smearing and ensuring neat, professional-looking slices every time you cut into your delicious creamy eggnog cheesecake bars.

Can I make a no-bake version of these eggnog cheesecake bars?

Yes, you absolutely can adapt this into a no-bake eggnog cheesecake bars recipe! You would typically use a no-bake cheesecake filling method, which often involves whipped cream or condensed milk for setting instead of eggs and baking. The crust would remain similar, but it wouldn’t need to be pre-baked.

Variations of Eggnog Cheesecake Bars You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love exploring these creative twists on the traditional recipe. These variations offer something for everyone, whether you have dietary needs or just want to mix things up!

No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake Bars: For a quicker, no-oven-required option, adapt the filling using whipped cream or condensed milk to help it set. Simply prepare the crust, bake it briefly, then chill the no-bake filling until firm. It’s a fantastic alternative when you’re short on time.
Dairy-Free Delight: Easily make these bars vegan by using plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter for the crust, and a good quality vegan eggnog. The texture and flavor remain surprisingly close to the original!
Gingersnap Crust Twist: Swap the graham crackers for crushed gingersnap cookies in the crust. This adds a lovely spiced warmth that complements the eggnog filling beautifully, making for truly festive holiday dessert bars.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling before pouring it over the crust. The combination of rich chocolate and spiced eggnog is decadent and utterly irresistible.