Eggnog Cheesecake Bars (Gluten-Free & Low-Calorie)

Enjoy the indulgent flavors of the holidays, but without all of the extra processed ingredients, with my healthy Eggnog Cheesecake Bars. These low-calorie dessert bars are gluten-free, low-carb, and higher in protein than many desserts, without sacrificing the eggnog flavor we love.

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You can still enjoy your favorite desserts while losing weight and eating healthy for the holidays! Simple recipes, like these Christmas cheesecake bars, that add protein and reduce calories, help you eat your favorite foods in a more balanced and healthy way. These dessert bars are a guaranteed crowdpleaser, no one will even know they’re a healthy holiday dessert recipe.

If you like healthier holiday dessert recipes, you will love my peppermint hot chocolate cookies and healthy gingerbread cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beloved Holiday Flavor: Eggnog is one of those classic holiday flavors that is beloved by many. These eggnog bars capture that flavor while being healthier than traditional eggnog desserts.
• Lower Carb and Higher Protein: Unlike many other dessert recipes, these cheesecake bars have only 15 grams of carbohydrates, which is fantastic for a recipe like this. They also have 6 grams of protein! You’d be lucky to find a single gram in many desserts.
• Gluten-Free: These delicious cheesecake bars are completely gluten-free, which is great for those with dietary restrictions or who don’t eat much gluten.
• Easier to Make Than Traditional Cheesecake: There’s no need for complicated water baths or springform pans with this recipe. The bars are so much easier to make than a regular cheesecake.

Ingredients

• Butter: Achieve the perfect buttery crust by using butter. It may not scream healthy, but it’s a must!
• Gluten-Free Flour and Almond Flour: Any gluten-free 1:1 flour works perfectly in this recipe. You can also use a gluten-free oat flour, or a regular flour if you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free. Don’t use coconut flour in this recipe!
• Flaxseed: Add a bit of nutty flavor, along with fiber and other nutritional benefits with flaxseed in the crust.
• Egg: Bind the crust together and add a bit of protein with eggs. 
• Neufchatel Cheese: This cream cheese alternative has less fat, is slightly tangier and more pungent than regular cream cheese. This makes it a lighter alternative for lower-fat recipes.
• Nonfat Greek Yogurt: Increase the protein of the recipe by combining the cheese with a nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt.
• Coconut Sugar: This naturally derived sweetener has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar and is a healthier alternative. You could also use maple sugar, stevia, or honey instead.
• Vanilla and Spices: Add warm winter spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla extract to give these eggnog dessert bars their signature flavor.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations & Dietary Modifications

• Make It Dairy-Free: You can make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free Greek yogurt, and coconut oil instead of butter. Be sure to let the coconut oil fully cool after melting it. 
• Just Use Cream Cheese: If you can’t find Neufchatel cheese, you can just use regular or light cream cheese. Just be aware that it will change the nutrition information because cream cheese has a higher fat content. 
• Try a Gingersnap Crust: Amp up the holiday flavor in this eggnog dessert by making a gingersnap crust using ground gluten-free gingersnap cookies. These protein gingersnaps ground into crumbs would make a great crust.

How to Make Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Everyone will be begging you for the recipe for these holiday cheesecake bars, especially when they find out how much better for you they are than other desserts! This recipe is straightforward, although it does involve several steps. You need to preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8”x8” baking pan with parchment paper before you get started! 

Step 1: Cream the Butter.  Cream together the butter and coconut sugar with a whisk or stand mixer. 

Step 2: Stir in the Other Ingredients. Mix in the gluten-free flour, almond flour, flaxseed, and baking soda. Then add the almond milk and egg. Mix until well combined into a dough.

Step 3: Add to the Baking Pan. Spread the dough into a flat, even layer in your baking pan using a silicone spatula. Poke a few sets of holes in the dough using a fork, but only push the holes halfway through the crust. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes at 350°F. Once it’s baked, gently press down on the crust to deflate it, then set it aside. 

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients. Cream together the Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt, and coconut sugar using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to eliminate any clumps. Then add the milk and vanilla extract, followed by the eggs. Mix the eggs until just combined, then whisk in the flour and spices.

Step 5: Add the Filling to the Crust. Slowly pour the filling over the crust in the same parchment paper-lined baking pan. 

Step 6: Bake and Chill. Bake on the top rack for 22 minutes. After the baking time is complete, turn off the oven, but leave the cheesecake eggnog bars inside for an additional 6-8 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven when the top of the filling is mostly firm to the touch and only slightly jiggly. Let the pan cool for 5 minutes at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for 15-30 minutes. Slice and top each bar with freshly grated nutmeg and a bit of whipped cream before serving.

Expert Tips

• Use Room Temperature Cheese: The Neufchatel cheese must come to room temperature so that it creams smoothly without any lumps. You should also let the Greek yogurt and eggs sit at room temperature for several minutes, because if they are too cold, they will make the cheese clump as well. 
• A Mixer is a Must: While you could technically whisk together the filling by hand, the filling will be smoother and creamier if you use a hand mixer or a stand mixer. If you want it even smoother, you can also put the filling in a blender for a few minutes.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you want this eggnog bars recipe to be a little less sweet you can skip the coconut sugar in the crust and use ¼ cup of coconut sugar in the filling. For a slightly sweeter cheesecake, use ⅓ cup of coconut sugar.
• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can also wrap the bars in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze them for 60 days. Thaw frozen eggnog bars for 24 hours in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

These holiday cheesecake squares are going to be the hit at all of your holiday parties and Christmas festivities! Everyone will love the buttery crust and flavorful eggnog cheesecake topped with fresh nutmeg. These are truly bite-sized pieces of holiday flavor, and the fact that they are healthy is a bonus. 

• These eggnog cheesecake bars make the perfect dessert to serve after Christmas dinner, whether you’re having a traditional turkey dinner or something fun, like a crockpot lasagna!
• Enjoy one of these desserts as an afternoon pick-me-up and pair it with a protein-rich hot chocolate smoothie to help fuel the rest of your day.

Recipe FAQs

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If you tried this Eggnog Cheesecake Bars recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below.