Cinnamon Eggnog Cheesecake with a gingersnap cookie crust! With hints of cinnamon, eggnog and gingerbread in each bite, you’re going to love this cheesecake!
We are officially ONE WEEK away from Christmas!!! How excited are you?!
We don’t go overboard with the gifts and I was actually starting to second guess myself. Should we buy more presents for the girls? Should we make sure the presents are overflowing from under the tree? Is that what it’s all about?
Yesterday, I got to go with my daughter on her school field trip to the Overture Center for the Arts to watch A Christmas Carol. I don’t know why but I wasn’t expecting much. . I was just happy to have the morning off and spending it with my daughter and her classmates.
Now, if you know me, you know I can get emotional sometimes . . yes, when my heartstrings are pulled, watch out and pass me a kleenex. And if it involves sick kids or something worse, pass me the entire box. Well, needless to say, I was crying watching A Christmas Carol. The performance was beautiful and the message behind the story came at just the right time for me. I kept turning to my daughter, wondering how much she was soaking in and actually understanding. Seeing how little Bob Cratchit’s family has, yet how thankful and happy they are.
It’s a lot to take in for a 7 year old I would imagine. . watching each ghost (Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come) visit Ebenezer Scrooge and thinking about what must be going through his mind, all the regret, all the sadness, wishing he could go back in time and re-do so many things. But, of course, I love the end of the story when Scrooge is transformed into a kind and giving man.
It’s funny how things work . . the timing of everything. . I needed to be reminded of this message and the true meaning of Christmas for me.
This Christmas will be about spending time with my family, being thankful for what we have and family traditions. Family traditions for us includes baking. . and a lot of it. My husband and I love eggnog . . I think there’s something so magical about it. . the fact that it’s seasonal and mainly comes out over the holidays. It’s something that a lot of people love and enjoy over the holidays.
I’ve partnered with Davidson’s Safest Choice Eggs today to celebrate their Dozen Days of Nog event!!! Do you like eggnog? Join Davidson’s Safest Choice Eggs for their Dozen Days of Nog Facebook event. Read about baking, holiday prep, eggnog, and more—you can also add your tips and advice. Share a recipe to the event page and it could be added to the SafeEggs.com Recipe Center! Be sure to check out the event and join in on the fun!
My family loves baking with safe eggs. . Davidson’s Safest Choice Eggs are pasteurized. The Safest Choice™ all-natural egg pasteurization process eliminates the risk of Salmonella in eggs before the eggs enter your kitchen. You can read more about it here.
Since my husband and I love eggnog and cheesecake, I decided to bake a Cinnamon Eggnog Cheesecake! And I should mention that because I fell in love with my gingersnap cookie crust for these babies, that I made the cheesecake today with a gingersnap cookie crust. I may never go back to an Oreo or graham cracker crust for the holidays.
You guys. . this cheesecake is amazing. You get a hint of eggnog, a hint of cinnamon and a hint of gingerbread. I love it!!! My husband, who usually just takes a few bites of my sweet treats (because I bake so much), ate the entire slice and went for a second.
Happy Holidays!! Hope your holidays are filled with wonderful family traditions, quality time and sweet treats!
Cinnamon Eggnog Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box 16 oz store bought gingersnap cookies
- 4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted + more for coating the pan
For the cheesecake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
For the chocolate ganache:
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
For the crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F and grease or spray your springform pan. Pulse the gingersnap cookies in a food processor to make fine crumbs. Add the melted butter (start with 4 tablespoons and add more melted butter if needed) and pulse until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of your 9 x 3-inch springform pan with removable bottom. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely.
For the Cheesecake:
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and flour and set aside. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. With the mixer running, slowly pour in the sugar/flour mixture and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle as needed.
- With the mixer on low, add in the vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt and then slowly pour in the eggnog; mix until just combined. Add the egg yolk, then the whole eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to incorporate completely before adding in the next. Stop the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle as needed.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, tap to remove any bubbles, and bake until the edges of the cheesecake are browned and the center is barely set, for about 60 minutes. Turn OFF the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Once cooled, you can make the chocolate ganache and serve, or, you can refrigerate or freeze for a day or two until ready to enjoy.
For the chocolate ganache:
- Place the chopped chocolate in a small bowl and set aside. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until small bubbles appear on the outside edge of the cream. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate. Using a wire whisk, gently stir from the middle out, until all of the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow the chocolate ganache to cool just slightly and then pour over the top of the cheesecake.
Recipe adapted from Chow.com
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Davidson’s Safe Eggs. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting me in working with brands that I use and love.
I love this so much, Alice! It’s so easy to get carried away with holiday madness and I always need a good reminder to slow down and enjoy being with all my loved ones. Also, I wouldn’t mind a slice or two of this cheesecake 🙂
thank you so much, Amy!!! I’m so glad we had the chance to meet when you were here in Madison!! Remember, 2015 = food conference!! 🙂 happy holidays!
What a lovely cheesecake! I must check and see if I can get those eggs in the Seattle area… I’m with you on the sentimental, weepy side of things Alice. It seems like it doesn’t take much for me to start crying these days. Happiest of Holidays to you and yours!
Awh, thank you Maria.. good to know I have a kindred spirit. . we can share a box of kleenex. 😛 wishing you the joyest of Christmases!!!
My tongue will NOT go back in my mouth!!!
haha, thank you so much, Gigi!!
This is not just cinnamon eggnog cheesecake.. this is cinnamon CHOCOLATE eggnog cheesecake! My my, that ganache looks just perfect. And this is so odd but.. that picture of the crust of the naked cheesecake? I cannot get over how gorgeous and soft yet sharp and shadowy yet bright that shot is. Obsessed!
oh my gawd, Cheryl . . coming from you, that is the HUGEST compliment on the photo. . thank you!!
I love the flavors in this cheesecake! Eggnog and gingersnap cookies sounds like an amazing combination for Christmas! And the thick chocolate layer on top is just perfect! I’m glad you had a great time at the field trip. I’ve tried safest choice eggs and really like them! I wish you happy holidays !
Thanks so much, Mira!! Wishing you happy holidays too, my friend!!! 🙂
I’ve been grappling with the same thoughts, Alice. My nephews, nieces and my best friends’ kids get tons of toys and presents all year long. I feel like a scrooge just buying them each one small toy at Christmas but then I remind myself that 1) they are already super fortunate 2) it’s the thought that counts and 3) spending time together is the real gift this time of year. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the performance and knowing how loving, wonderful and sensitive you are, I’m not surprised at all that the show touched you so deeply. And damn, lady, this cheesecake is amazing! Look at that perfect dense texture and that perfect graham cracker crust and that perfect thick glossy layer of ganache! I would inhale this if it were in front of me!
Nance, yeah . . honestly kids here in the US have too much .. well, you know that I mean. . it’s all about #3!!! like you said, spending time together is the real gift this time of year!!! and thank you so much! When we meet up in 2015 (hopefully), we will need to share some cheesecake, yo. love you girl. happy holidays!
Oh goodness – this just looks incredibly good! That chocolate ganache is simply perfect!
Shashi, thank you!!!! happy holidays, girlfriend!! 🙂
Loving all the eggnog recipes in the food blogging world right now. This cheesecake, though, is the best!
Well this excites me.
I’m so glad you got to watch the performance with your daughter and her class, that sounds like a wonderful time. I love the message behind A Christmas Carol and we always look forward to watching it on TV every year. We are the same way with gifts for our son and now our daughter this year. He already has so much and gets enough presents from his grandparents, aunts and uncles. Spending time and making wonderful memories is what counts to us 🙂 Love this eggnog cheesecake Alice, it looks absolutely beautiful! The gingersnap crust and creamy eggnog sound amazing together!
Alice, you don’t need to convince me any further. Your picture says it all and I love a smooth-looking cheesecake, especially when ganache is involved! Sounds like you had a wonderful time there and it’s nice that you took a break to be with P.
You are sooo right. I need to turn my attention back to what is truly important during Christmas and that is family my dear. Such a beautiful beautiful cheesecake too! I love the flavor combo.
This is a beautiful cake for the special season like Christmas. Very nicely done, Alice!
Thanks so much, Holly!!!
seriously I cant believe Christmas is only a week away. For some weird reason it totally doesnt feel like its that close. Wow! Great cheesecake flavor.
I know, right?!! Thank you Chrysta!!! Have a merry Christmas!!
This is such a gorgeous cheesecake, Alice! Love the touch of cinnamon to make it even more special for the holidays.
Thanks so much, Melanie!!! Happy Christmas to you!!
I’m so impressed with how gorgeous your cheesecake is, and I adore the flavors! This sounds absolutely delicious. Love it!! Pinned 🙂
Thanks so much, Rachel!!! Happy Holidays!
This looks amazingly delicious! I’m drooling on my keyboard!
Thank you Amanda!
This cheesecake looks amazing. Man, that ganache layer going over the top…wow. Quite a fabulous picture.
I’ve gotta try those pasteurized eggs. I get very freaked out by salmonella. No more worrying!
Hi Mir. . yes, you should definitely try them!!! Look for them where your grocery store carries the organic eggs!
I just posted cheesecake too! We must be on the same wavelenth Girl!
haha, awesome!! Thanks for the visit Tori!! 🙂
This cheesecake looks amazing!!! pinned 🙂
Thanks so much, Marla!!! Happy Friday!
Aww I love A Christmas Carol, and I’m sure your daughter soaked up more than you realize. 😛 I also really love eggnog…especially in baked good form! This cheesecake is a masterpiece.
Thanks so much, Joanne!!! I hope so. . I love that all the second grade classes went to see this!
I too have been known to shed a tear or two (understatement)…and A Christmas Carol gets me every time! This cheesecake looks incredible, Alice! I am loving that layer of ganache!
Thanks so much, Annie!! I was on the fence with the ganache. . but then. . I say. . yes to chocolate . . always. 🙂
I can’t believe that Christmas is less than one week away. Where has the time gone?! This cheesecake looks incredible, Alice! I’m loving the cinnamon and eggnog combo. Pass me the whole plate, please!
Thanks so much, Gayle!! I know, right?!!! Ahhh. . can’t wait until Christmas Day! happy holidays!
This cheesecake sounds wonderful, and I love the heartfelt message behind this post too! Something I definitely need to be reminded of too 😉
Thanks so much, Allie. . definitely was something I needed to watch and was such a special time with Phoebe 🙂
Did I just read that correctly? Cinnamon eggnog cheesecake?? You just turned all of my favorite holiday flavors into one awesome dessert! I might need this to magically appear on my counter this Christmas…I wonder if I can convince Santa to bring me one?? 🙂
haha, thank you David!!! I’ll pull some strings and have Santa bring you a slice! 😛 happy holidays!
This is an incredible looking cheesecake, Alice! Love it. In my family we’ve taken the Christmas gifts and down a notch over the last couple years. And it’s really nice actually. Better to just spend time together and eat lots of food! 🙂
I couldn’t agree more, Liz! We only get the girls 2 gifts and that’s enough. . plus they get more from family. . my husband thinks we should just buy them one. anyway, yes to lots of food and family time! hope you have a wonderful holiday!!
This cheesecake is an absolute STUNNER, Alice! Seriously as if eggnog in the cheesecake wasn’t amazing enough, then you covered the whole thing in ganache! Need. In. My. Face. 🙂
Thank you so much, Sarah!! I was on the fence with the ganache and then knew the cheesecake needed something more! 🙂 Thank you so much and hey, we might get that white Christmas after all!!!
This is outstanding! I cannot get enough eggnog. I’ll take it in any form. Even better when it’s cheesecake!
Such a sweet story, I love how certain moments during the holidays can tug at our heartstrings and make us appreciate what this holiday is all about. And what a sweet cheesecake!! Gorgeous!
We try really hard not to buy too much, then last minute I worry that I didn’t buy enough. That’s not what it’s about, and I need to stick to my guns! That performance sounded wonderful — my son’s school went to one too and he loved it! This cheesecake sounds fantastic, and I love that layer of chocolate ganache on top. Delicious!
The flavors in this cheesecake are some of my favorites and it’s just gorgeous! Thank you, too, for the reminder about what’s important this time of year. It’s much to easy to get caught up in the hustle bustle and forget to enjoy each moment with the people we love.
I can see why your husband would want seconds of your cheesecake. I looks terrific and I’m sure the taste is great. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
I don’t know what excites me more, the eggnog flavor of the cake, or that thick layer of ganache…pinning!
The Scrooge story will NEVER get old. I love hearing it every year. This cheesecake looks boooomb Alice!!
I love this recipe. The gingersnap crust is gorgeous and the eggnog in the cheesecake is divine.
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. It sounds like you are already in the Christmas cheer mood. 🙂
I love eggnog and this year I’ll be on they look out for a pasteurized eggy safe version. If only I could get those eggs here in Sydney town. I love your idea of a cheesecake using the eggnog though and the Choc and biscuit crumb makes it all the more Merry! 🙂
The flavors on this cake sound delicious, and those crisp edges on the cut cake are beautiful! What a great Christmas day dessert!
Ooh, boy. Gingerbread crust and eggnog cheesecake filling??? I’d be all over this dessert! I think we all need a reminder of the reason for the season…it’s easy to get sidetracked. xoxo
Thank you, Liz!! Watching that play was just what I needed!! 🙂
Such a gorgeous cheesecake, who could resist that chocolate ganache topping?! Love!
Thank you so much, Laura!! 🙂
Hi Alice! This looks wonderful, and so unique which I adore! I live in Australia so could you please describe the gingersnap cookies to me a bit so I can find something similar? Here in Australia there are two types of gingerbread biscuits – one is quite crisp (so they literally make a “snap” noise when you break them – I suspect this is probably the most similar based on name!) and the other is softer, more like the density of choc chip cookies. Thanks very much for your help!
Hi Nagi!!! For this crust, I would use the quite crispy ones . . when pulsed in a food processor, they make for a great crust!!! the store bought ones here in the US are probably very similar to the crisp gingerbread biscuits you described! I love Australia . . do you follow Girl in a Food Frenzy? She’s in Sydney!
That cheesecake looks absolutely amazing! I love that ganache flowing off the top of it, such a neat picture. And the gingersnap crust! That sounds so much better than the graham cracker kind! Especially with eggnog cheesecake! Have a great Christmas!
Thanks so much, Stacey. . you too!!
I *love* this cheesecake, Alice! I’ve been a recent eggnog convert (for years I thought I hated it?) so this is looking just so good!! Plus that gingersnap crust is to die for!!
Cinnamon, eggnog, cheesecake, gingersnap AND chocolate?! I love all it!
A Christmas Carol gets me every time. I feel as I get older, the meaning of Christmas often gets lost in all the hustle and bustle. It’s nice to be reminded every so often of the true spirit of the holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!!
Please adopt me? I know I’m old enough to be your grandmother but hey, it could work. I’d even keep my room clean. Just make this cake every week. 🙂
Merry Christmas!
My family has started a tradition where we each pull someone’s name out of a hat and buy that person one good, decent present. It is so much less stressful! Of course this wouldn’t work with kids probably, but it is great for the adults 🙂 THis cheesecake looks delicious, love all the flavors you have packed in there! Looks perfect for a holiday party!
Your cheesecake turned out perfect! As you sliced the cake I just swooned at how pretty it is! I’ll definitely be adding this to our holiday menu!
Beautiful Christmas thoughts, you better pass me a box of Kleenex. Better yet, pass the cheese cake and I’ll cry into my eggnog. GREG
Now this is a festive cheesecake!! And I am a crying mess lately too with the Christmas movies.
This cheesecake looks amazing! It is so thick and smooth! And that ganache on the top? Perfection! Love your thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas. It is so nice to be reminded of that every now and again. The Christmas Carol is a wonderful way to pass that message on to the next generation!
Uhm….. this is beyond amazing! My grandparents are coming over for Christmas this year and they love eggnog and cheesecake… how perfect is this for them?!?! Score!
What a good reminder of the reason for the holidays – to be with family and friends. And to be following through with traditions. This cinnamon eggnog cheesecake is a tradition I could surely get behind. I hope you have a lovely Christmas with your girls!
Wow this cheesecake looks amazing! Love the holiday twist with cinnamon and eggnog!
I made this cheesecake this past week. The filling and ganach topping were delicious. I used 16 ounces of ginger snaps for crust along with 4 tablespoons of butter but the crust was way to dry to adhere to sides of pan. When I removed the springform the crust kinda just fell. Next time I will add more butter, or use less gingersnaps. Any thoughts?
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for the comment!!!! Was your butter melted? The amount of gingersnaps would be fine. . I think adding more melted butter wouldn’t hurt and I will also add this to the recipe card just in case, “plus more butter for coating the pan”. Thank you so much for the comment!!!