No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Instructions

• Line a 9 x 13-inch (22 x 33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
• Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the cookies into coarse crumbs. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and pulse into fine crumbs, about 2 minutes. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture clumps together, about 10 pulses.
• Pour the crust into the prepared baking dish and press evenly against the bottom of the pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, until set.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and ¾ cup granulated sugar together with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, 3–4 minutes.
• Add the sour cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, rum extract, and vanilla and beat until incorporated, 2–3 minutes.
• In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, microwave the eggnog for 30–45 seconds, or until just warm to the touch. Add the gelatin powder and whisk until dissolved.
• Add the eggnog mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix until well combined, about 2 minutes.
• In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and remaining ½ cup granulated sugar together, gradually increasing the speed, until stiff peaks form, 6–7 minutes.
• Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the eggnog mixture. Refrigerate the remaining whipped cream until ready to serve the bars.
• Evenly spread the filling over the crust. Lightly tap the pan on a flat surface to release any air bubbles. Refrigerate uncovered for 3–4 hours, until set.
• Use the parchment to lift the bars from the pan and slice into 12 pieces. Top with the reserved whipped cream, if desired.
• Enjoy!