Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe With Rum (Or Not!)

Eggnog Cheesecake is a festive dessert with holiday cheer in every bite. Silky cream cheese with warm notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and spiced rum encased in a crunchy golden vanilla wafer crust. Decadently rich and creamy this easy eggnog cheesecake recipe is perfect for Christmas parties and eggnog lovers.

Eggnog is a time-honored Holiday tradition, right up there with Hot Chocolate, Hot Buttered Rum, and Bailey’s Irish Coffee. In our house, that includes the party favorite, Snowflake Peppermint Cocktail!

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Why You’ll Be Obsessed With Easy Eggnog Cheesecake

• Super Easy: eggnog cheesecake needs only 20 minutes of prep time.  
• Everything a cheesecake should be: silky, smooth, creamy, and decadent.
• Full of Holiday flavors:  Nutmeg and spiced rum pair with tangy vanilla cream flavors in eggnog cheesecake.
• Show-stopper: This cheesecake with vanilla wafer crust is a beautiful centerpiece for any Holiday dessert table.

Ingredients For Eggnog Cheesecake With Rum (Or Not!)

Eggnog cheesecake is just the thing to propel you into the holidays for the right reason, extreme flavor indulgence! Creamy notes of vanilla, hints of nutmeg, and the relaxing essence of spiced rum let the holiday bustle fade away.

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Vanilla Wafer Crumbs –  crush using a rolling pin or food processor. 
• Butter
• Nutmeg – If you can, use freshly ground for a deeper, more complex woody-clove intensity.
• Cream Cheese – must be warmed/softened to room temperature before beating. Compacted flour will definitely affect the density and texture of the cheesecake.   
• Granulated White Sugar
• All-Purpose Flour   
• Spiced Rum – a traditional eggnog ingredient that balances the sweetness and compliments the tangy cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract – warm and sweet notes.
• Large Eggs– take eggs out of the fridge when you pull the cream cheese so they also warm to room temperature.   
• Heavy Whipping Cream – it’s important to use heavy cream for this eggnog recipe for that roll-off-your-tongue creamy richness! 
• Garnish – whipped cream and cinnamon, optional but highly recommended! (Sugared Cranberries and fresh rosemary would look fabulous too!)

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How To Make An Eggnog Cheesecake With Rum

Cheesecake recipes are manageable and easy but can feel a bit overwhelming to a newbie. The best way to ensure a successful cheesecake is to read the recipe carefully before jumping in! Producing a luscious eggnog cheesecake isn’t any harder than baking a cake! You’re going to need a 10-inch springform pan, electric mixer, and food processor if you have one.

When you are baking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Preheat your oven. Mix together vanilla wafer crumbs, butter, and nutmeg and press the crust mixture into the bottom and 1.5 inches up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan and bake. 
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour, rum, and vanilla at medium speed until well blended. Add whole eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in whipping cream and egg yolks and pour into crust.
3. Bake until set. Cool. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

Easy Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe Tips

• Use a food processor to crumb the vanilla wafers; simply place them in the bowl of your food processor, then pulse until they become fine crumbs. Or crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or a heavy can from your pantry.
• Use the flat bottom of a glass or dry measuring cup to press the vanilla wafer crust into the pan to make it tight and compressed (use your fingers to press the sides).
• Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter. You want a smooth and creamy eggnog cheesecake mixture, but overmixing can create a softer batter that may not set properly.
• Don’t open the oven door, until it’s time! Of course, if your oven runs hot and the eggnog cheesecake seems to be browning, check for the jiggle.
•  If you make an extra eggnog cheesecake to freeze for later, only garnish once it is thawed and ready to serve. Be sure to double wrap to avoid freezer “flavoring.”

How To Store Eggnog Cheesecake

Refrigerate/Leftovers

Eggnog cheesecake is best when enjoyed the day after it’s baked, and well chilled.

Cheesecake can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze

Eggnog cheesecake can be double-wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. If you are lucky enough to hoard away a slice or two, remove any garnish before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

Recipe Variations For Eggnog Cheesecake

• Use gingersnap, speculoos (Biscoff), or graham cracker crumbs in place of a vanilla wafer crust.
• Swap out the spiced rum for brandy or whiskey. Top-shelf isn’t necessary.
• Don’t want to buy a bottle of rum? Pick up rum extract. It is made from rum, has a strong rum flavor, only contains a small amount of alcohol….and it’s cheaper.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic eggnog cheesecake, use a Rum Bakery Emulsion (flavoring), a zero-proof rum alternative, or even apple juice.

Serving Suggestions

Eggnog cheesecake should be served fully chilled (several hours in the refrigerator, or overnight). Before serving, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan by running a dinner knife along the sides of the cheesecake to release it from the sides of the pan. Add desired toppings, like cinnamon whipped cream and cranberries, and serve.

The big question is should cheesecake be eaten with a spoon or fork? Etiquette rules say soft desserts are eaten with a spoon, while firm desserts with a fork. I say use whatever you have or want to use!!  Let me know in the comments if you use a fork or a spoon for cheesecake.

If you’re on the same page with my pre-holiday eggnog obsession, I’ve got a delicious variety of eggnog recipes! Addicting Eggnog Cookies w/Eggnog Buttercream, stellar Eggnog Iced Coffee, and elegantly giftable Eggnog Truffles In Chocolate Cups. If you’re not about the nog, how about adulting Holiday Rum Balls?

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