1 ½cupsgraham cracker crumbs(from about 12 graham crackers)
¼cupsugar
½teaspooncinnamon
¼teaspoonnutmeg
½cupbutter, melted(one stick)
Eggnog Cheescake Filing
16ouncescream cheese, room temperature
¾cupsugar
2tablespoonsflour
⅔cupeggnog
¼teaspoonnutmeg
2large eggs
whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
Graham Cracker Crust
In bowl, whisk together the graham crackers, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the melted butter and mix to combine. Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to press the crumbs in the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
Eggnog Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and flour, until mixture is smooth and fluffy; about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the eggnog and nutmeg and continue to mix, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition, until mixture is smooth and just combined.
Pour the eggnog cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust. If using a water bath, place the baking pan in a large roasting pan. Fill up the roasting pan with about one inch of hot tap water, being careful not to splash any into the bars.
Bake the bars for about 45 minutes, if using the water bath. If baking the bars as is, bake for about 30-40 minutes. You will know the cheesecake is done when it appears almost set in the middle. You can also test for doneness using a toothpick inserted in the center of the cheesecake. Remove from oven and let cool on a baking rack for one hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Remove the bars from the pan using the foil. Cut into 16 bars and serve with a dollop of whipping cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Video
Notes
If you are using graham cracker sheets to make the crumbs, place them in the food processor and pulse until a fine crumb forms.
Use room temperature cream cheese to get a smooth filling.
The water bath if optional and will keep the bars from cracking.
Be sure the bars are completely chilled before cutting.
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a great make-ahead recipe. Make the bars up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.