Eggnog Basque Cheesecake is that magical dessert that captures the essence of holiday cheer in a creamy, decadent slice. With a rich, velvety texture and a hint of nutmeg, each bite feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
Imagine slicing into this beauty, the aroma of spiced eggnog wafting through the air while your taste buds dance with delight. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cheesecake is perfect for any occasion that calls for a little indulgence.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Eggnog Basque Cheesecake is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- Its festive flavors create a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake.
- Visually stunning with its burnt top, it’s sure to impress your guests.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in; who doesn’t love cheesecake?
I remember the first time I made this Eggnog Basque Cheesecake; my family’s reaction was priceless. They were so enchanted by the flavors that they practically begged me to make it every week.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture that will melt in your mouth.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best here; it helps achieve that sweet balance we all crave.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for the perfect custard-like consistency; room temperature eggs blend better.
Heavy Cream: This adds silkiness and depth; don’t skimp on quality here.
Nog (Eggnog): Store-bought or homemade—just ensure it’s spiced well for maximum flavor impact.
Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg gives an aromatic touch that elevates the whole cheesecake experience.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract intensifies sweetness; avoid imitation if you can help it!
Flour: A small amount keeps everything together without making it dense—just enough to bind.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Eggnog Basque Cheesecake
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. You want to see no lumps here; think of it like making a cloud!
Add Eggs One at a Time: Crack in your room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This ensures even blending without overmixing—nobody wants an eggy cheesecake!
Pour in Heavy Cream and Nog: Slowly add heavy cream and eggnog into your mixture while beating on low speed. The mixture should look luxurious and creamy—almost like liquid velvet.
Add Nutmeg and Vanilla Extract: Stir in freshly grated nutmeg and vanilla extract for that quintessential holiday flavor! It will smell divine as you blend these fragrant spices into your batter.
Bake and Cool Down: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes until the top is beautifully browned but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool before refrigerating for at least four hours—patience is key here!
Now you’ve made an unforgettable Eggnog Basque Cheesecake that’s sure to charm anyone who tries it!
Content
Eggnog Basque Cheesecake is rich; use room-temperature ingredients for a creamier texture. It helps create a smooth filling that makes each bite heavenly. I learned this when my first cheesecake turned out lumpy—definitely not the look I was going for!
Using a water bath prevents cracking. Place your cheesecake pan in another pan filled with hot water during baking. This gentle steam creates a moist environment that keeps your cheesecake from drying out, which I wish I knew on my first attempt!
Chill your cheesecake overnight before serving to enhance its flavors and improve the texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! The anticipation builds, and when you finally taste it, it’s pure bliss.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven while you prepare the crust and filling. Bake the crust first, then blend your filling ingredients until smooth. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and saves you valuable time.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the eggnog mixture for an extra flavor punch. You can also top your cheesecake with a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies or whipped cream for a festive twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Eggnog Basque Cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If reheating, place slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to maintain their creamy texture without overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using high-quality cream cheese enhances flavor significantly, making every bite richer and creamier.
- Always sift dry ingredients together for a smoother batter, preventing lumps.
- Don’t skip chilling; it makes all the difference in taste and texture!
My friend once told me that her family fought over the last slice of my Eggnog Basque Cheesecake during Christmas dinner—it made me feel like a rock star in the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works well and saves time while still delivering great flavor.
How long does the cheesecake need to cool?
Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before chilling it overnight.
Can I freeze Eggnog Basque Cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to three months; just thaw before serving!
Eggnog Basque Cheesecake
Eggnog Basque Cheesecake is a luscious holiday treat that blends creamy cheesecake with the delightful flavors of eggnog and nutmeg. This visually stunning dessert features a beautifully burnt top and a silky texture, making it a perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings or cozy nights in. Simple to prepare, this cheesecake will have your guests asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Gradually mix in heavy cream and eggnog until creamy.
- Stir in nutmeg, vanilla extract, and flour until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes until the top is browned but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: For best results, use room-temperature ingredients to achieve a smoother filling. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or topping with crushed gingerbread cookies for extra flavor.
