This Egg Nog Cheesecake Dip is creamy, festive, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s the kind of no-bake dessert that people gather around and just keep dipping into.
If you’re hosting or heading to a holiday party, this dip will be your secret weapon. No oven, no stress, and it tastes just like a slice of eggnog cheesecake in dip form.
Why I Love This Recipe
I made this for the first time during a last-minute holiday gathering, and it was gone before I could even sit down. It’s now a staple in my holiday dessert rotation. No baking, no mess, just straight-up holiday cheer in a bowl.
- Tastes like classic eggnog with a creamy, cheesecake twist
- Quick to make – under 10 minutes
- Perfect with cookies, graham crackers, or fruit
- A crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is super easy
- Make-ahead friendly
Serves: 8
Time: 10 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: extra nutmeg and cinnamon stick for topping
- For serving: graham crackers, vanilla wafers, gingersnaps
Pro Tips
- Let the cream cheese come fully to room temp so it blends smooth
- Use full-fat eggnog for richer flavor
- Chill the dip for 30 minutes if you want a thicker texture
- Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving for that cozy holiday look
- Serve with a mix of soft and crunchy dippers for texture variety
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Substitutions and Variations
- No Cool Whip? Use freshly whipped cream
- Dairy-free? Use dairy-free cream cheese, almond nog, and whipped coconut cream
- Add-ins: Stir in mini white chocolate chips or crushed gingersnaps for crunch
- Stronger eggnog flavor: Add a dash of rum extract or a splash of real rum
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this dip up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This step helps get rid of any lumps so your dip is silky.
Step 2: Add the Eggnog and Pudding Mix
Pour in 1 cup of eggnog and add 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is fully combined and thickened.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping (Cool Whip) until fully combined. The dip should look fluffy and creamy.
Step 4: Add Spices and Vanilla
Add ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dip and gently stir until fully blended. This step brings all the warm, cozy holiday flavors together.
Step 5: Transfer to Bowl and Garnish
Scoop the dip into a round white serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again. This dip does not freeze well due to the dairy and pudding mix.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The instant pudding mix works magic here. It thickens the eggnog without cooking, binds everything together, and adds vanilla flavor. The cream cheese gives structure, and the whipped topping makes it airy and dip-able.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold cream cheese: It won’t mix smooth and can leave lumps
- Overmixing whipped topping: It can deflate and make the dip dense
- Using low-fat eggnog: Might make the dip watery and less rich
- Serving warm: It’s best chilled so it holds up better with dippers
What to Serve With
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Gingersnaps
- Sliced apples or pears
- Pretzels (for that salty-sweet combo)
FAQ
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, just make sure it’s stiffly whipped so it holds the texture.
Does it taste like eggnog?
Yes! It has that classic eggnog flavor with a rich cheesecake twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just double all the ingredients and use a larger bowl.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes, as long as you’re using non-alcoholic eggnog.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, festive dessert that screams holiday cheer—this Egg Nog Cheesecake Dip is it. It’s creamy, cozy, and comes together fast. Give it a try, and don’t forget to drop a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you have any questions.
