Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Layered Eggnog Cheesecake bars with a gingersnap crust, creamy cheesecake filling and snickerdoodle cookie topping! This is the ultimate dessert recipe for eggnog lovers and it’s a cinch to make.

Love eggnog? Our Instant Pot Eggnog cheesecake is creamy and delicious! Or give our eggnog truffles a try this year!

Layered Eggnog Cheesecake bars with a gingersnap crust, creamy cheesecake filling and snickerdoodle cookie topping! This is the ultimate dessert recipe, and it's easy enough to make!


Why this Recipe Works

We love cheesecake bars. From our original chocolate chip cheesecake bar, to our popular snickerdoodle cheesecake bar, there is something for everyone!

You can’t have the holiday season without eggnog. And you can’t have it without cheesecake. Why not put them together in one rich and creamy dessert that’s easy to slice up and share?

  • An easy crust made out of gingersnaps makes these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars out-of-this-world delicious, adding a tart and spicy touch.
  • I couldn’t resist throwing on a dreamy topping of sugar and spice (and everything nice). I used the cinnamon sugar blend I love on Snickerdoodles but added some nutmeg too–this is an eggnog dessert after all!
  • With a creamy filling and a crispy crust, cheesecake bars make everyone at the dessert table oh so happy!

If you love easy desserts, be sure to try our easy no bake cheesecake bars for a delightful treat. Don’t forget to whip up a batch of cherry hot chocolate to go with today’s treat, it’s a perfect holiday match!

Ingredient Notes

  • Gingersnap cookies – Don’t have these (or don’t like them)? Graham crackers or nilla wafers will work just fine as a substitute in the crust.
  • Cream cheese – Use full fat cream cheese for best flavor and creamy consistency. Don’t forget to let it soften on the counter for a few minutes so it’s easier to work with.
  • Rum extract – Along with nutmeg, this flavoring gives the cheesecake that rich eggnog taste you crave, no eggnog or rum needed!
Layered Eggnog Cheesecake bars with a gingersnap crust, creamy cheesecake filling and snickerdoodle cookie topping! This is the ultimate dessert recipe, and it's easy enough to make!

Easy Instructions

The crust. I used a whole bag of crushed gingersnaps for this gorgeous, flavorful crust. You can always substitute graham crackers or nilla wafers if you prefer, but I love the tanginess the gingersnap cookies give these bars.

The cheesecake. No actual eggnog is used in this cheesecake. Instead a combination of rum extract and nutmeg gives the illusion that the creamy center is an eggnog infused delight!

The cookie topping. Much like a snickerdoodle cookie, this version has 1/4 tsp nutmeg for extra holiday cheer. Oh, it’s also topped with a sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg crust.

Yeah. It doesn’t get much better than this for dessert. HOWEVER, as a reminder, this needs time to “set up.” After baking these bars they need to chill for at least 4 hours. I usually make them the day before so that they can be refrigerated overnight.

Once chilled, you can cut them and enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

Do these need to be kept in the fridge?

Yes, you should store these in the refrigerator for freshness and best taste. I love them chilled straight from the fridge!

Can you make this without the rum extract?

If you omit the extract you won’t get the name eggnog flavor. Rum extract is worth the purchase! After you make cheesecake bars, use it in Eggnog Fudge, Butter Rum Fudge and Homemade Eggnog.

How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake bars are ready to come out of the oven when the cookie crust is lightly browned. The center of the cheesecake may be slightly jiggly but it will continue to firm as it cools (and when it’s chilled).

Now you can have your eggnog and eat it too with this simple Eggnog Cheesecake Bars recipe! With the perfect hint of eggnog flavor, these easy bars are a hit every holiday season.

More Eggnog Recipes

Favorite Cookies and Bars

See all Cookies recipes

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

4.80 from 15 votes
By: Aimee
Layers of gingersnap crust, creamy eggnog cheesecake filling, and topped with cookie bars, these Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a holiday must.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 24 large bars

Ingredients 

For the Crust:

  • 1 bag gingersnap cookies 14 oz (about 2 1/2 cups crumbs)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted

For the Cheesecake filling:

  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened 8 oz each
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons rum extract
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Cookie layer:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup milk

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Save this Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Instructions 

  • Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a food processor, pulse gingersnap cookies until fine crumbs. Add in melted butter and pulse until combined.
  • Press crumbs into the bottom of prepared baking dish. Using the palm of your hand (or bottom of a cup) press crumbs firmly into the pan.
  • For the cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese with sugar, eggs, rum extract and nutmeg using the whisk attachment of your electric mixer. Beat until fluffy and smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Pour over gingersnap crust.
  • For the cookie layer, beat butter with sugar for 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat thoroughly. Add in baking powder, salt, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg and beat until fully combined. Add milk and beat until well blended. Scoop dough by large spoonfuls onto the top of the cheesecake layer. Use your fingertips to spread gently until the cheesecake layer is fully covered.
  • In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients. Sprinkle generously over the cookie layer.
  • Bake for about 35 minutes. Middle may still “jiggle”, that’s okay. You want the cookie layer to be completely cooked (and lightly browned). Remove from oven and cool completely. Once cooled, cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours (or overnight). Cut into squares and enjoy cold!

Notes

  • You should store these in the refrigerator for freshness and best taste. I love them chilled straight from the fridge!
  • If you omit the rum extract you won’t get the name eggnog flavor. Rum extract is worth the purchase! After you make cheesecake bars, use it in Eggnog Fudge, Butter Rum Fudge and Homemade Eggnog.
  • The cheesecake bars are ready to come out of the oven when the cookie crust is lightly browned. The center of the cheesecake may be slightly jiggly but it will continue to firm as it cools (and when it’s chilled).

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar, Calories: 317kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 189mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 26g
Course: Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!


Avatar photo

About Aimee

Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

Learn more about Aimee.

Affiliate Disclosure:**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**

Learn How To Become a Better Home Baker
Sign up for the Shugary Sweets FREE Email Course Today—soon you’ll say, "I made it from scratch!"

Categories: , ,


Posted on December 13, 2018

Comments & Reviews

  1. I am definitely gonna try these out! I’m curious about the cookie layer on top. Could lead to some very yummy other flavors.

    Question though – I have been baking for several decades and I guess I’ve never had occasion to use rum extract. Can you substitute actual rum or does it have to be the extract? Thank you!

  2. 5 stars
    Everything came together really nicely! These are quite decadent and I wonder if only 1 tablespoon rum extract would be better. I could not believe these didn’t have any eggnog because they taste so eggnoggy! Definitely try these out for your next Christmas party.

  3. Well, I made these because of the many 5 star reviews. Only issue is that it appears as if the same “anonymous user” leaves no comments. Sigh, so probably a pal of the author to this recipe. I’m a baker and my gut told me, there is no way you can spread anything – even gingerly, on top of a cheesecake filling. Well, I attempted this anyway and let me just say… there is no way these bars would have a layering effect like the pics unless the cheese cake is baked in advance. This of course would kill the cheesecake – baking it twice. The only reason I’m submitting this review is because although the concept is good, the recipe isn’t. And it was a huge waste of my time and money. Sorry – but here’s your warning before you attempt these.

    1. Anonymous users are just people who don’t add a comment to their review. I make these every year. If you dollop the cookie dough on top, when it bakes it spreads itself out naturally.

    2. This recipe looked amazing. The review saying it was impossible to make was discouraging. I decided to try it anyway. The layers came out great. No problems adding the cookie layer. I am currently waiting for it to chill, so haven’t tried it yet, but I am anxiously waiting and anticipating this great combination. Thanks for the recipe!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating