🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfection

Crafting these exquisite eggnog Christmas squares requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• Chocolate Baking Crumbs: The foundation of our cheesecake bars is a rich, flavorful crust. While Oreo baking crumbs were once the gold standard and ideal for this recipe, they’re now a rarity in many places (like Canada). However, readily available chocolate baking crumbs work wonderfully. Alternatively, you can easily create your own by crushing whole Oreo cookies in a food processor – a method I detail in my No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake post. This ensures a deep chocolatey base that complements the creamy filling.
• Unsalted Butter: I always recommend using unsalted butter for baking. This allows you complete control over the salt content in your recipe, ensuring your dessert is perfectly balanced and not overly salty. The melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together to form a firm, delicious crust.
• Cream Cheese: The star of any cheesecake! Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin. This is paramount for achieving a silky-smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling. Cold cream cheese will result in a clumpy batter.
• Eggnog: The quintessential holiday flavor! Use a good quality eggnog that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will shine through in the bars. It provides the signature festive spice and creamy texture to the cheesecake filling.
• Instant Coffee Granules: This is where the “mocha” in Mocha Eggnog Cheesecake Bars comes from. Dissolving instant coffee granules in warm eggnog before adding it to the batter provides a concentrated, delightful coffee essence without adding excess liquid. This boosts the depth of flavor, beautifully complementing the chocolate and eggnog.
• Toffee Bits: These small wonders are a game-changer! Toffee bits, especially Skor toffee bits (affiliate link) for their distinct buttery crunch, add a rich caramel-like flavor and a fantastic textural contrast to the smooth cheesecake. They provide pockets of chewy sweetness that make each bite exciting.
• Eggs: Like the cream cheese, eggs should be at room temperature. They act as a binder, providing structure and richness to the cheesecake filling, helping it set beautifully.
• Granulated & Brown Sugar: A combination of both sugars creates a balanced sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor. Brown sugar contributes a slight molasses note that pairs well with the holiday spices.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just a couple of tablespoons of flour help stabilize the cheesecake, preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth, uniform texture.
• Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon enhances the natural spices found in eggnog and ties all the holiday flavors together.
• Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans (Garnish): For a truly elegant and fitting final touch, chocolate-covered espresso beans are ideal. They offer an extra kick of coffee flavor and a satisfying crunch. Plus, any leftovers freeze exceptionally well for months! Just a friendly warning: they are highly caffeinated, so enjoy them responsibly to avoid late-night baking adventures!

Refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities.

📖 Creative Substitutions & Delightful Variations

This Mocha Eggnog Cheesecake Bar recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences, dietary needs, or simply to try something new each holiday season. Here are some fantastic ways to customize your bars:

• Lighten it Up: For a slightly lighter version without compromising on flavor, opt for fat-free or low-fat cream cheese and a light eggnog. You’ll still achieve a wonderfully creamy texture with fewer calories.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: If little ones (or those sensitive to caffeine) will be enjoying these bars, simply use decaffeinated instant coffee for the filling. For the garnish, swap the chocolate-covered espresso beans for chocolate-covered almonds or even mini chocolate chips for a sweet, caffeine-free topping.
• Crust Creativity: The chocolate cookie crust is superb, but feel free to experiment!
  • Graham Cracker Crust: A classic choice, graham cracker crumbs offer a slightly less intense flavor, allowing the eggnog and mocha to shine even brighter.
  • Gingersnap Crust: For an extra layer of warm holiday spice, crush gingersnap cookies in a food processor to create a fragrant and flavorful crust. This pairs exquisitely with the eggnog.
  • Vanilla Wafer Crust: A more subtle option, vanilla wafer crumbs create a delicate base that lets the creamy filling be the star.
• Nutty Additions: Fold in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cheesecake batter for an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
• White Chocolate Swirl: Melt some white chocolate and swirl it into the cheesecake batter before baking for an elegant visual and an extra touch of sweetness.
• Boozy Kick: For an adult-only treat, a splash of rum or brandy can be added to the eggnog (reduce the eggnog slightly to maintain consistency) for an even more traditional holiday eggnog flavor.

🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

This eggnog cheesecake recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, making it a perfect holiday baking project. You’ll create a simple, rich chocolate cookie crust, pour over a luscious cheesecake mixture, and bake it to perfection. Best of all, there’s no fussy water bath required for these bars!

1. Prepare the Pan & Crust: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch (standard lasagna) baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting. In a medium bowl, combine your chocolate baking crumbs (or finely crushed Oreos) with the melted unsalted butter. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a compact crust.
2. Infuse the Eggnog with Coffee: While your crust awaits, take a small, microwave-safe bowl and heat the eggnog for approximately 1 minute in the microwave. This slight warming helps the instant coffee granules dissolve easily. Remove from the microwave and stir in the instant coffee granules until they are completely dissolved, infusing the eggnog with a wonderful mocha flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until it becomes wonderfully fluffy and smooth. This aeration is key to a light cheesecake texture. Gradually add the white granulated sugar and brown sugar, continuing to beat until well combined and creamy. Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, pour in the coffee-infused eggnog, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Be careful not to overmix at this stage! Gently fold in the Skor toffee bits by hand, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
4. Bake to Perfection: Carefully pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the chocolate cookie crust in your baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. To confirm doneness, insert a cake tester (affiliate link) or a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. For my oven, 25 minutes yielded perfect results.
5. Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. For cleaner cuts, you can also chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm. Once cooled, cut the cheesecake into 16 uniform bars.

Elegant Garnish for the Finishing Touch

Before serving, elevate your Mocha Eggnog Cheesecake Bars with a beautiful and flavorful garnish. Lightly sprinkle the tops with a dusting of powdered sugar, a touch more ground cinnamon for aroma and color, and a scattering of extra toffee bits for added texture. For the ultimate presentation and flavor punch, place a single chocolate-covered espresso bean on top of each bar. These garnishes not only make the bars visually appealing but also enhance their delicious mocha and eggnog profile.

Hint: As mentioned in the instructions, using a cake tester (affiliate link) is an excellent way to ensure your cheesecake bars are perfectly baked. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean, they’re ready to cool. My ideal baking time was exactly 25 minutes for that perfectly set, yet creamy, texture.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars Every Time

Achieving perfectly smooth, creamy, and delicious cheesecake bars is easy with a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your Mocha Eggnog Cheesecake Bars are a holiday hit:

• Prioritize High-Quality Ingredients: The foundation of any great dessert is its ingredients. Always opt for good quality cream cheese, especially if choosing a “light” version, as generic brands can sometimes be more watery and affect the texture. Similarly, a delicious eggnog will elevate the overall flavor significantly.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a crucial rule for any cheesecake. Overmixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can cause your cheesecake to puff up excessively during baking, only to collapse and crack as it cools. Beat just until the ingredients are combined and smooth, then stop. A fluffy texture from whipping the cream cheese initially is good, but don’t continue to whip once eggs and liquid ingredients are added.
• Verify Doneness with a Cake Tester: Don’t rely solely on visual cues. Insert a thin cake tester (affiliate link) or a clean toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, your eggnog cheesecake bars are perfectly cooked. The center may still have a slight jiggle, which is ideal, as it will continue to set as it cools.
• Ensure Room Temperature Cream Cheese and Eggs: This tip cannot be stressed enough! Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy, inconsistent batter, no matter how much you beat it. Similarly, room temperature eggs emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, lump-free, and perfectly uniform cheesecake filling. Plan ahead and take these ingredients out of the fridge at least an hour before you start baking.
• Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: After baking, let your cheesecake bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Then, for the best texture and clean cuts, chill them in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2-3 hours (or even overnight). This allows the cheesecake to fully set and firm up.
• Clean Slicing Technique: For beautiful, neat bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a hot, damp cloth between each slice. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking to the blade and creating messy edges.

🌡️ Storage Solutions for Freshness

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious Mocha Eggnog Cheesecake Bars fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Whether you plan to enjoy them within a few days or save some for later, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator Storage: These cheesecake bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in your fridge and to maintain their creamy texture.

Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, these bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and cut, arrange the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

👪 Flexible Serving Size Options

This versatile eggnog cheesecake bar recipe is designed to yield 16 generously sized servings when cut from a 9×13-inch pan. However, the beauty of bars is their adaptability! You have complete control over the serving size:

• Larger Servings: If you prefer more substantial dessert portions, you can easily cut the bars larger to yield 12 servings instead of 16.
• Halving the Recipe: For smaller gatherings or fewer leftovers, simply cut the recipe in half. You can bake the reduced recipe in a smaller 8×8-inch square pan. Adjust baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a cake tester.
• Doubling or Tripling: Hosting a big holiday party? No problem! You can easily double or even triple this recipe. If doubling, you’ll need two 9×13-inch pans. The most convenient way to adjust ingredient quantities is by utilizing the interactive serving size feature on the recipe card below. Simply click on the highlighted serving size (usually in blue) and select your desired number of servings, and the ingredient amounts will automatically adjust for you. This makes scaling up for a crowd effortless!

❔ Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

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