Eggnog Cheesecake Bites

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Crust:
  • 🍪 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or gingerbread cookie crumbs for a festive twist)
  • 🧈 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 🥄 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 🥛 1/4 cup eggnog
  • 🍬 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 🥚 1 large egg
  • 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 🌶️ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
  • 🧂 A pinch of salt

🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Crust
  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
  2. Make the Crust Mixture:
    • In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
  3. Form the Crust:
    • Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each mini muffin cavity. Use the back of a spoon to compact the crust.
  4. Bake the Crust:
    • Bake for 5–7 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
  1. Mix the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggnog, egg, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt, and mix until fully combined.
  2. Fill the Muffin Tin:
    • Spoon the cheesecake filling onto the prepared crusts, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake and Cool
  1. Bake:
    • Bake the cheesecake bites for 15–18 minutes, or until the centers are set but slightly jiggly.
  2. Cool:
    • Let the bites cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Garnish:
    • Before serving, sprinkle the tops with ground nutmeg and pipe a dollop of whipped cream on each bite for an elegant finish.
  2. Serve:
    • Carefully remove the cheesecake bites from the liners and arrange them on a festive platter.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • 🍫 Chocolate Option: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bites for added indulgence.
  • 🌰 Nutty Twist: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for crunch.
  • 🥛 Non-Alcoholic Option: Use store-bought non-alcoholic eggnog for family-friendly bites.
  • 🧊 Make Ahead: These bites can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

🍹 Serving Suggestions

Eggnog Cheesecake Bites pair beautifully with a glass of mulled wine, spiced cider, or a festive holiday cocktail. They’re perfect for holiday dessert tables or as bite-sized treats for parties.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Eggnog Cheesecake Bites combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, festive flavors of eggnog and nutmeg. Their bite-sized portion makes them an elegant and crowd-pleasing dessert for any holiday gathering.

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