Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars are a luscious treat combining creamy cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavor of apple butter. Perfect for a cozy dessert, these bars have a buttery graham cracker crust and a fluffy, tangy filling swirled with apple butter. They make a delightful sweet bite for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crushed sheets)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
• ¾ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup (120 g) apple butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, extending it up the sides with an overhang on two opposite edges for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup sugar. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
3. Step 3: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly into an even layer using your hand or the bottom of a flat measuring cup. Refrigerate to chill while preparing the filling.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Add heavy cream and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
7. Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of apple butter over the top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the apple butter into the filling, taking care not to disturb the crust.
8. Step 8: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until the cheesecake is firm and set.
9. Step 9: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture.
• Try swapping apple butter with pumpkin butter or pear preserves for a seasonal twist.
• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
• Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling when cutting the bars.

Storage

Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature after removing from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, a simple shortbread or digestive biscuit crust can be used as a substitute, but graham cracker crumbs provide the classic flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to chill the bars for 6 hours?

Chilling is important to allow the cheesecake filling to set properly. For best results, refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to achieve the right texture.

Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

Delightfully creamy Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious apple butter swirls. These no-bake bars are chilled until perfectly set, making for a refreshing and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crushed graham cracker sheets)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Filling

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
• ¾ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup (120 g) apple butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars later. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
3. Press Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking dish and press firmly into an even layer using your hand or the bottom of a flat measuring cup.
4. Chill Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling to help it set firmly.
5. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with a hand-held mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
6. Add Cream and Lemon Juice: Add heavy cream and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture and beat for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened and fluffy.
7. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the creamy filling over the chilled crust using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
8. Swirl in Apple Butter: Drop spoonfuls of apple butter over the top of the filling, then gently swirl it in using a knife or skewer, being careful not to disturb the crust layer below.
9. Refrigerate Until Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until the cheesecake bars are firm and set.
10. Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan, cut into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for a smooth filling.
• Use an offset spatula to spread the filling evenly and smoothly over the crust.
• Swirling the apple butter gently will create beautiful marbled patterns without disturbing the crust.
• Chilling for at least 6 hours is essential for the bars to firm up properly.
• Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple butter, cheesecake bars, no-bake dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, chilled dessert, easy dessert recipe, apple dessert