Easy Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

These Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a simple and cozy Christmas dessert that brings together warm spices, creamy filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust. They look impressive on a holiday table but come together with very little effort. The eggnog adds a soft sweetness and festive flavor, while the cinnamon and nutmeg create a comforting aroma that feels like December. If you want a dessert that feels special but does not take much time, this is a great option.

The crust starts with graham cracker crumbs, a bit of sugar, and melted butter. It bakes just long enough to set, which gives the bars a firm foundation and prevents sogginess. Once the crust cools slightly, it is ready for the smooth cheesecake filling. The filling uses cream cheese, sugar, eggs, eggnog, and a mix of warm spices. It blends quickly and creates a soft, silky texture when baked.

Here are the full step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and leave a little overhang so you can lift the bars out easily after they chill.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs look coated and the mixture resembles damp

sand.

Step 3: Press the crust into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set the pan aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until the texture is smooth and creamy. This step helps keep the cheesecake soft.

Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed so the mixture stays even.

Step 6: Add the eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt. Mix just until combined. Over mixing can create air pockets and may cause cracks during baking.

Step 7: Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The edges should look set while the center still has a soft jiggle. This helps keep the bars creamy once chilled.

Step 9: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. After that, chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight for the best texture.

Step 10: Lift the chilled bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and add whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving.

The chilling time is important because it helps the bars firm up and makes slicing much easier. Once the bars are fully set, they cut cleanly and hold their shape. They work well for gatherings because they can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.

These bars pair nicely with warm drinks like coffee or hot chocolate, and they also hold up well on dessert platters. If you want to dress them up, add a small swirl of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The bars store well in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also freeze them if you want to prepare early for the holidays.

Eggnog desserts tend to be popular in December because they bring familiar seasonal flavors without requiring complicated steps. These cheesecake bars are especially appealing because they deliver the creaminess of traditional cheesecake with far less work. They are reliable, festive, and easy enough for beginners, which makes them a great go-to recipe for the holidays.