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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling to help it set firmly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the creamy filling over the chilled crust using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- 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.
- Refrigerate Until Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until the cheesecake bars are firm and set.
- 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
