Coquito Cheesecake

Coquito cheesecake is a delicious fusion dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the flavors of coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. Coquito is similar to eggnog but is made with coconut milk, rum, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

In a coquito cheesecake, the crust is often made with crushed graham crackers to complement the coconut theme. The creamy filling is infused with coconut milk and rum, giving it the signature coquito flavor, while also being velvety and smooth like a classic cheesecake. The cheesecake is typically topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or even toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

This dessert is especially popular during the holiday season and is a perfect choice for those who enjoy rich, coconut-flavored treats with a hint of warmth from the spices and rum. If you like this recipe, try my No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake next!

What is Coquito ?

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, often referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog.” It’s a creamy, coconut-based beverage typically made with the following ingredients:

1. Coconut milk – The base of coquito, giving it a rich, smooth texture.
2. Sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and creaminess.
3. Evaporated milk – Gives it a slightly lighter consistency than regular milk.
4. Rum – Usually white rum, providing the signature kick and depth of flavor.
5. Cinnamon – A warming spice that adds complexity.
6. Nutmeg – Enhances the drink’s festive flavor.
7. Vanilla extract – Adds a touch of sweetness and aroma.

Coquito is typically served chilled, making it a popular drink during the Christmas season, and often enjoyed as a sweet, spiced treat with a mild alcoholic kick.

Don’t Cheesecakes Usually Require a Water Bath?

A water bath, while commonly recommended for certain types of cheesecakes, is not always necessary, especially for more sturdy or dense recipes. The primary purpose of a water bath is to provide gentle, even heat to prevent the cheesecake from cracking or overbaking, but this can be achieved without it by carefully controlling the oven temperature. Cheesecakes made with denser batters or those baked at lower temperatures often hold their shape without the need for added moisture. Additionally, by using techniques like baking the cheesecake in a lower oven temperature or for a shorter period, cracks can be minimized. For many modern cheesecake recipes, including no-bake varieties or those that do not rely on delicate texture, the water bath is an extra step that is not essential to achieving a smooth, creamy result. THIS IS A NO WATER BATH CHEESECAKE RECIPE.