Eggnog cheesecake crumble bars are like a little slice of holiday magic in every bite. If you’re a fan of eggnog desserts, cheesecake, or buttery crumble toppings, then you are going to fall head-over-heels for this recipe!
These bars are creamy, festive, and have just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re super easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
My kids love helping me sprinkle the crumble topping, and honestly, this dessert never lasts long once it’s out of the oven.
Let’s dive into how you can whip these up and spread some holiday cheer.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Use cold butter for the crust and crumble—it gives you that perfect buttery texture.
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake layer; you want it smooth and creamy without too much air.
- Sprinkle extra nutmeg on top of the crumble before baking for a festive touch.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily for clean slicing.
- Let the bars chill completely before cutting to help them set and get nice, neat edges.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9 baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or forks
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- No eggnog? You can swap it with heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg for a similar flavor.
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust and crumble.
- Want a twist? Add a splash of rum extract to the cheesecake filling for that spiked eggnog flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the crust and crumble mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The baked bars also keep well in the fridge overnight, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead of a holiday party.
How to Make Eggnog Cheesecake Crumble Bars
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the crust and crumble
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a fork until the mixture is crumbly.
Step 3: Bake the crust
Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the cheesecake layer
While the crust bakes, beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the eggnog, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, and mix until creamy.
Step 5: Assemble The Bars
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining crumble mixture.
Step 6: Bake and cool
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste amazing straight out of the fridge or slightly warmed!
Conclusion
Eggnog cheesecake crumble bars are a cozy, festive dessert that will make your holiday gatherings extra special.
They’re easy enough for a family baking day and fancy enough to impress your guests. I can’t wait for you to try them!
