Divine Desserts

Easy No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake (Creamy Holiday Dessert Without The Oven)

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There’s something a out Eggnog that instantly slows us down. Maybe it’s the nutmeg.
Maybe it’s the way it only shows up once a year.
Or maybe it’s because eggnog reminds us that not everything needs to be rushed or optimized to be meaningful.

This No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake has quickly become one of those desserts we come back to year after year—not because it’s flashy or complicated, but because it fits the season so well. It’s calm. It’s familiar. And best of all, it doesn’t require turning on the oven when the kitchen is already working overtime.

If you’re hosting, traveling, or simply craving something festive without another baking project, this recipe was made for you.


Why We Love a No-Bake Holiday Dessert

December kitchens are busy. Between meals, baking, cleanup, and company, oven space becomes a precious commodity. That’s why no-bake desserts quietly shine during the holidays.

This cheesecake checks all the boxes:

  • Creamy and indulgent without being heavy
  • Richly flavored with eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla
  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Simple ingredients you can find almost anywhere
  • Beautiful enough for a holiday table, but easy enough for a weeknight

And yes—it sets perfectly without gelatin.

That’s important to us. We wanted something dependable, sliceable, and smooth without relying on extra stabilizers or specialty ingredients. This one delivers.

Our Favorite

Designed for a Deep Pie Dish (No Springform Needed)

One of the most common questions we get with cheesecakes is about pans. This recipe was intentionally designed for a deep pie dish, not a springform pan.

Why?

  • Most home kitchens already have one
  • It travels better
  • It’s easier to serve
  • And honestly—it feels more relaxed and welcoming

The graham cracker crust presses easily into the dish, the filling sets beautifully, and the slices lift cleanly with a pie server. No collars, no leaks, no fuss.


The Flavor: Classic Eggnog, Balanced and Warm

Eggnog can be overpowering if it’s not handled carefully. Too much, and the dessert tastes artificial or overly sweet. Too little, and it disappears.

We tested this recipe to land right in the middle:

  • You can taste the eggnog clearly
  • The nutmeg and cinnamon round it out
  • The cream cheese keeps it grounded
  • The whipped cream lightens everything so it doesn’t feel dense

The result is a cheesecake that tastes like Christmas—but not in a loud way.


A Graham Cracker Crust That Actually Holds

A good no-bake dessert needs a dependable crust. This one uses classic graham crackers with a touch of brown sugar and warm spices to echo the filling.

Pressed firmly into the dish and chilled before filling, the crust:

  • Holds together when sliced
  • Doesn’t crumble into the filling
  • Adds just enough texture to balance the creaminess

If you’ve ever had a no-bake cheesecake where the crust collapsed or softened too much, this step makes all the difference.

Our Favorite

A Dessert That Gets Better With Time

This cheesecake isn’t meant to be rushed. It needs time to chill and fully set, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it perfect for the holidays.

We usually make it:

  • The night before a gathering
  • Or early in the morning if serving in the evening

By the time it’s sliced, the flavors have mellowed and blended, the texture is smooth and stable, and the whole dessert feels intentional—even though it was incredibly easy to make.


Serving Ideas (Simple but Special)

This cheesecake doesn’t need much, but a few thoughtful touches can elevate it:

  • A light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Soft whipped cream piped or spooned on top
  • White chocolate curls or shavings
  • A gold pie server for serving (small details matter)

For drinks, eggnog or coffee pairs beautifully. The richness of the cheesecake balances well with something warm and simple.


no-bake-eggnog-cheese-cake

Perfect for Hosting, Gifting, or Bringing Along

We love recipes that fit into real life, and this one does exactly that.

This cheesecake:

  • Travels well
  • Doesn’t need reheating
  • Can be sliced ahead or served whole
  • Feels festive without being fragile

If you’re bringing dessert to a gathering, this is one of those recipes people quietly ask for later.


Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Make ahead: Up to 48 hours in advance
  • Storage: Covered in the refrigerator
  • Freezing: Not recommended (texture changes)

If adding whipped cream decoration, we suggest doing that the day of serving for the cleanest look.


📸 Photo Placement Cue

Lifestyle Shot:
A man lifting a slice from the pie dish with a gold pie server, a glass mug of eggnog and graham crackers nearby, styled in a warm, bountiful kitchen scene.


Our Favorite

Why This Recipe Fits the Season

We don’t always need bigger, richer, or more elaborate. Sometimes what we need most—especially during the holidays—is something dependable and gentle.

This cheesecake doesn’t compete for attention.
It doesn’t demand perfection.
It simply shows up, ready when you are.

And that’s often the kind of food we remember most.


A Reflective Note

There’s a quiet comfort in recipes that don’t require constant attention. They remind us that not everything meaningful has to be labor-intensive or complicated.

As the year winds down, we’re learning to appreciate what’s simple, what’s steady, and what allows us to be present instead of busy. This no-bake eggnog cheesecake fits right into that rhythm—made ahead, shared easily, and enjoyed slowly.

If your kitchen feels full this season, we hope this recipe brings a little ease with it.

Easy No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake (Creamy Holiday Dessert Without The Oven)

Recipe by The Divine Appetit
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Divine Desserts
Servings

8-10

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Calories

520

kcal

Ingredients

  • Crust
  • 2 1/4 C graham cracker crumbs (approx. 11 full size crackers)

  • 1/3 C brown sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

  • 1/2 C butter (use salted or unsalted, your preference) we like salted

  • Filling
  • 16 oz full fat cream cheese (very important to have this at room temperature).

  • 1 C powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp rum extract (optional but worth it)

  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 3/4 C full fat eggnog

  • 1 1/2 C heavy whipping cream

Directions

  • Mix crust ingredients and press into pie dish, chill.
  • Whip heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks, refrigerate
  • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and extracts.
  • Beat in eggnog until creamy.
  • Gently fold in whipped cream
  • Spoon into crust and smooth top.
  • Refrigerate at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

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