Eggnog Cheesecake Bars: A Festive Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re someone who looks forward to the rich, spicy flavor of eggnog every holiday season, then these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars will quickly become your new favorite dessert. With a creamy, velvety cheesecake filling infused with eggnog and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening with family, these bars will bring the comforting flavors of eggnog to your dessert table with ease. For beginner cooks, this recipe is a dream come true. It’s simple, doesn’t require special techniques, and delivers an impressive dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.

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The best part? You don’t need to be a pro to make them taste incredible. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll have a festive treat ready in no time. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a simple dessert to impress your guests, this Eggnog Cheesecake Bars recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a delicious holiday dessert. The rich flavors of eggnog blend seamlessly with the creamy texture of cheesecake, and when topped with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg, it’s the ultimate seasonal treat that’s sure to wow. These cheesecake bars are ideal for beginner bakers since they are forgiving and don’t require any complicated skills or equipment. If you’ve never baked a cheesecake before, you’ll find this recipe incredibly approachable. It’s beginner-friendly and takes advantage of simple ingredients to create a dessert that looks and tastes impressive. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply making a sweet treat for yourself, these eggnog cheesecake bars will deliver all the holiday cheer you could ask for in one bite.

Ingredients and Preparation

For these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need two key components: a graham cracker crust and a luscious eggnog cheesecake filling. The beauty of this recipe is that the crust is quick to prepare, and the cheesecake layer is as smooth as silk. Let’s break it down into the ingredients for both parts of the recipe.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: You can easily crush graham crackers into crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and smashing them with a rolling pin. The goal is to get small, uniform crumbs that will form the foundation for the bars.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: The sugar adds a slight sweetness to the crust and helps bind the crumbs together when mixed with the melted butter.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Butter adds richness and helps hold the crust together. The butter should be melted so that it easily mixes with the crumbs.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese (2 packages, softened): The base of your cheesecake layer. Softened cream cheese ensures that the filling will be smooth and creamy. Be sure to take the cream cheese out of the fridge ahead of time to soften, as cold cream cheese can cause lumps.
• ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a touch of tanginess that balances the richness of the cream cheese. Sour cream also helps give the filling a smooth texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the filling and balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese and sour cream.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs provide the structure for the cheesecake. They help the filling set as it bakes.
• ½ cup eggnog: The star ingredient that gives these bars their distinctive holiday flavor. Eggnog has a rich, spiced flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the filling. Vanilla and eggnog pair beautifully, giving the dessert a warm, comforting taste.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: The perfect spice to complement the eggnog. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the dessert, creating that quintessential holiday flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the filling, ensuring that it holds together and sets properly when baked.

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream: A light and airy topping that adds sweetness and creaminess. Whipped cream also creates a beautiful contrast in texture against the rich, creamy filling of the cheesecake.
• Ground nutmeg: A sprinkle of nutmeg on top adds a festive touch and enhances the flavor of the eggnog.

Ingredient Substitutes:

If you need to make adjustments or work with what you have on hand, here are a few options:

• Graham cracker crumbs: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies. These options will provide a slightly different flavor but still make for a delicious crust.
• Cream cheese: You can use a low-fat cream cheese version, but note that this may slightly affect the texture, making it less creamy than the full-fat version.
• Eggnog: If you prefer a non-dairy alternative, you can substitute eggnog with coconut or almond milk and add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for flavor. This is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. It will still provide a tangy flavor, although Greek yogurt may be slightly thicker than sour cream.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making these delicious cheesecake bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Eggnog Cheesecake Bars recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginner bakers. Let’s break down the process into simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. This will make serving and cleanup much easier.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated with butter. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to combine the crumbs, sugar, and butter more quickly.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. You can use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to press it down evenly. Make sure it’s compact and smooth. This step is essential for ensuring that the crust holds together when the bars are cut.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. This step ensures the crust is slightly golden and crisp. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and get started on the cheesecake filling.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature, which helps it mix evenly. If the cream cheese isn’t softened, it can create lumps in the filling.
3. Add the granulated sugar to the mixture and beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. This is important to prevent any sugar from being left behind in the mixture.
4. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. It’s important that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to avoid a lumpy filling. The eggs also help provide structure to the cheesecake as it bakes.
5. Add the eggnog, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and flour to the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything until smooth and fully combined. The flour will help thicken the filling, giving it the right consistency and helping it set properly in the oven.
6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the pan. Smooth the top as much as possible so that it bakes into a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

1. Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. If the bars look too brown or cracked, reduce the temperature and bake for a little longer. You want the center to be just set, so it’s still a little soft in the middle.
2. Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process helps the cheesecake set and makes it easier to cut into bars. Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. After the bars have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight. Chilling ensures the bars hold their shape and become the perfect texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the cheesecake bars have chilled and set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into 12 squares. The parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars without making a mess.
2. If desired, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg to give them that extra festive touch. The whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the rich, dense cheesecake, while the nutmeg enhances the holiday flavors.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Here are some beginner-friendly tips to ensure your Eggnog Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly:

• Softening cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before using it. This will make it easier to mix and prevent lumps in the cheesecake filling.
• Don’t overmix the filling: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
• Chill thoroughly: Be patient and let the bars chill for at least 3-4 hours. This step is crucial for the filling to firm up.
• No water bath needed: Unlike traditional cheesecakes, these bars do not require a water bath. The thick crust and filling make them more forgiving.
• Adjusting the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the sugar in the cheesecake filling. However, keep in mind that sugar helps the filling set and gives it the perfect creamy texture.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple, yet indulgent dessert that will wow your guests and bring holiday cheer to your kitchen. These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and festive eggnog flavors. With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is great for beginner bakers who want to create something special. So go ahead, give it a try this holiday season, and share the joy of these delightful bars with your friends and family. And don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how your cheesecake bars turned out!