Vegan Eggnog Cheesecake Bites
These dreamy, creamy Vegan Eggnog Cheesecake Bites are everything you love about holiday treatsโspiced, cozy, and absolutely irresistible! With a gingerbread crust and a luscious eggnog-flavored filling, these bite-sized desserts are perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
My Notes:
Servings: cheesecake bites
Ingredients
For the gingerbread crust:
- 1 ยฝ cup(s) crushed vegan gingerbread or gingersnap cookies (or other hard cookie, see notes for other options, gluten-free if preffered)
- ยผ cup(s) vegan butter melted
For the eggnog cheesecake base:
- 1 ยฝ cup(s) raw cashews softened (see step 4)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or sub another high-fat plant-based milk)
- 3/4 cup(s) white sugar
- 2 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon(s) spiced rum or bourbon (optional, for that authentic eggnog flavor)
- 2 teaspoon(s) apple cider vinegar (for a bit of cheesy tang)
- 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon(s) ground nutmeg plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
- 1/8 teaspoon(s) ground cloves
- vegan whipped cream for topping (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat to 350ยฐF (180ยฐC). Line a muffin tin with 12 non-stick cupcake liners.
- Prepare the gingerbread crust: Add cookies to a food processor and pulse until they reach a sandy texture. Alternatively, crush them in a sealable bag using a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed cookies with melted vegan butter until well combined.
- Bake the gingerbread crust: Divide evenly among cupcake liners (about 1 ยฝ tablespoons per liner). Press crumbs firmly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Soften the Cashews: Soften the cashews by either boiling or soaking them.ย (I recommend softening them even if you have a high-powered blender, to ensure that the cheesecake is extra smooth and creamy.)Boil Method: Add cashews to a small pot, cover with water, and boil for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse before using.Soak Method: Soak cashews in water for 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the cashews before using.
- Prepare the eggnog cheesecake base: Add softened cashews, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, rum or bourbon (if using), apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy as possible.
- Assemble the cheesecake bites: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crusts, filling each nearly to the top.
- Bake the cheesecake bites: Bake at 350ยฐF (180ยฐC) for 23โ26 minutes, until puffed and slightly golden. The cheesecakes will be puffy fresh out of the oven but will deflate as they cool, forming a dent in the middle (perfect for holding a dollop of whipped cream)!
- Chill the cheesecake bites: Let them cool at room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour to set completely.
- Serve: when ready to serve, top each bite with a dollop of vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle nutmeg.
Notes
For the Cookie Crust: Almost any hard, crunchy cookie will work for the crust. I like using gingerbread or gingersnap cookies for that Christmas-y taste, but vegan graham crackers, digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate wafer cookies will all work well. For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the crust mixture.
Storage: Store the cheesecake bites in the refrigerator, uncovered or covered with a breathable material (like a clean cloth or paper towel), for up to 5 days. If stored in an airtight container, condensation may form on the topsโgently blot with a paper towel.
Freezing: These cheesecake bites can also be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best texture. Decorate with whipped cream just before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cheesecake bite (recipe makes 12 bites) | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
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