Description
These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are the kind of holiday dessert that instantly feels festive, cozy, and worth making again. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich creamy eggnog cheesecake filling, and a gentle dusting of nutmeg on top, they bring together everything I love in an easy dessert bar. They are perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter parties, make-ahead dessert trays, and anyone searching for easy dessert bars, holiday baking ideas, cheesecake bar recipes, and crowd-pleasing sweet treats.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup eggnog
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
Extra nutmeg or cinnamon for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand.
4. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
7. Add the granulated sugar and mix until fully combined.
8. Pour in the eggnog, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt, then mix on low speed until smooth.
9. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.
10. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
11. Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
12. Cool completely at room temperature.
13. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled.
14. Lift the bars from the pan, slice into 16 squares, and dust lightly with extra nutmeg or cinnamon before serving.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing so the filling stays silky and lump-free.
Do not overmix once the eggs go in, or the cheesecake may puff too much and crack as it cools.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: eggnog cheesecake bars, holiday dessert, cheesecake bars, Christmas dessert, easy dessert bars, make ahead dessert, holiday baking ideas