Eggnog Cheesecake Bars – Get ready to elevate your holiday dessert game with these irresistible Eggnog Cheesecake Bars! Combining the classic flavors of eggnog and creamy cheesecake, this recipe is the ultimate treat to indulge in during the festive season. The velvety texture, aromatic spices, and a hint of rum extract make these bars an absolute delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a decadent dessert, these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are guaranteed to impress and satisfy!
In our household, the holiday season is never complete without a batch of these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars. I remember the first time I made them for my husband and little family – it was love at first bite! As the sweet aroma of nutmeg and eggnog filled our home, everyone’s anticipation grew. We couldn’t wait to try this new dessert, and it quickly became a beloved tradition. Now, every year, as soon as the holiday decorations are up, the request for these cheesecake bars echoes through our kitchen. The combination of creamy cheesecake, the warmth of rum extract, and the nostalgic flavors of eggnog creates a magical treat that brings joy and togetherness to our festive celebrations.
Why This Eggnog Cheesecake Bars Recipe Stands Out?
- The Perfect Fusion: By blending the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of eggnog, these bars offer a unique twist on the classic holiday treats. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
- Decadence in Every Bite: Each mouthwatering bite of these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars is a symphony of flavors and textures. From the crumbly gingersnap crust to the silky smooth cheesecake filling, every layer is carefully crafted to deliver a taste sensation like no other.
- Holiday Cheer in Every Slice: With the inclusion of nutmeg, rum extract, and eggnog, these bars capture the essence of the holiday season. The warm, aromatic spices add a touch of nostalgia and festive cheer to every slice, making it the perfect dessert to celebrate special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups gingersnap crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (about 57g)
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 (8oz/250g) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup eggnog
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon rum extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×9 square baking pan.
In a bowl, combine the gingersnap crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a crust. Bake for 12 minutes until lightly golden.
Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
Add 3/4 cup of sugar, eggs, egg yolk, eggnog, flour, rum extract, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt to the cream cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Place the baking pan in a larger pan and add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the baking pan. This creates a water bath to ensure even baking.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
Carefully remove the cheesecake pan from the water bath and place it on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes.
Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
Before serving, dust the top with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg for a festive touch.
Notes:
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs for gingersnap crumbs if desired, though the gingersnap crust adds a delightful flavor dimension.
- For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the rum extract and still enjoy the rich flavors of eggnog.
- To enhance the presentation, cut the cheesecake into bars and garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
In conclusion, these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a holiday dessert dream come true. With their creamy, indulgent cheesecake filling, spiced gingersnap crust, and the unmistakable flavors of eggnog, they are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the festive season. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them as a special indulgence, these bars are sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories.
From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of holiday bliss. The velvety texture, the aromatic spices, and the gentle hint of rum extract all come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Each slice is a celebration of warmth, comfort, and the joy that comes with the holiday season.
So, why wait? Embrace the magic of the holidays and treat yourself to these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars. Whip up a batch, share them with your loved ones, and bask in the happiness that comes from enjoying a truly special dessert. Whether it becomes a beloved tradition in your household or a delightful surprise for your guests, these bars are guaranteed to spread cheer and make your holiday season even more memorable.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the aroma of these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars fill your home with festive cheer. Indulge in the decadence, savor the flavors, and cherish the moments spent enjoying this delightful dessert with those who mean the most to you. Happy holidays and happy baking!
FAQs
Is it possible to make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can try using an egg substitute or a vegan egg replacer suitable for baking. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and taste of the final result.
Can I freeze these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Ensure that they are tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly fine in this recipe. However, if you prefer a homemade version, there are numerous eggnog recipes available online to try.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, if gingersnap crumbs are not your preference, you can use graham cracker crumbs or even crushed vanilla wafers to create the crust. The choice is yours!
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups gingersnap crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter melted (about 57g)
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 8oz/250g packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup eggnog
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon rum extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x9 square baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the gingersnap crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a crust. Bake for 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
- Add 3/4 cup of sugar, eggs, egg yolk, eggnog, flour, rum extract, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt to the cream cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place the baking pan in a larger pan and add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the baking pan. This creates a water bath to ensure even baking.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake pan from the water bath and place it on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
- Before serving, dust the top with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg for a festive touch.
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