Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Name: Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 385 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 3 cups graham cracker crumbs; 3/4 cup (6 oz.) unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 3 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, at room temperature; 3/4 cup (7 oz.) sour cream, at room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 3/4 cup apple butter (from 1 (17-oz.) jar)

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Graham Cracker Cheesecake with Apple Butter Swirl

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Crust:

Cooking spray
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup apple butter

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), placing the rack in the lower third position. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides. Lightly coat both the pan and the foil with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden and fragrant. Allow the crust to cool slightly, about 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300F (150C).

Step 4: To prepare the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese and sour cream in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed until fluffy and fully combined, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add sugar and salt and mix on medium speed for 1 more minute.

Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition, just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, and continue mixing for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed just until combined. Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled graham cracker crust.

Step 7: Dollop the apple butter evenly over the cheesecake filling. Using a butter knife or small spatula, gently swirl the apple butter into the filling with zig-zag motions, creating a marbled effect.

Step 8: Place the baking pan inside a large roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan, ensuring that it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking pan. Bake the cheesecake at 300F (150C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles when shaken.

Step 9: Turn off the oven and leave the oven door ajar by 7-8 inches. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven and take the cheesecake out of the water bath. Let it cool at room temperature for another 30 minutes.

Step 10: Once cooled, cover the cheesecake and refrigerate it until completely chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 11: Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the foil overhang. Place it onto a cutting board and cut it into 12 rectangular pieces (3 x 2 1/2 inches). Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 570
Total Fat: 39g (51% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 22g (111% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 150mg (50% Daily Value)
Sodium: 382mg (17% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 49g (18% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 35g
Protein: 7g (14% Daily Value)
Calcium: 106mg (8% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (7% Daily Value)
Potassium: 174mg (4% Daily Value)

Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

History and Origins of Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars

Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars are a modern twist on two beloved traditions: classic cheesecake and spiced apple butter desserts. Cheesecake itself traces back to ancient Greece, where it was served as a celebratory dish for athletes. The creamy, dense texture that we know today evolved in 18th-century Europe, particularly in France and Germany. Apple butter, on the other hand, has roots in colonial America, especially in regions rich with apple orchards such as Pennsylvania and New England. By combining the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the sweet, caramelized flavor of apple butter, this dessert became a uniquely American creation that reflects the country's affinity for rich, seasonal flavors.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While the base recipe remains similar across the United States, subtle regional adaptations exist. In the Midwest, the apple butter is often homemade, slow-cooked from tart local apple varieties to emphasize deep, caramelized flavors. Southern variations may incorporate warm spices such as nutmeg or clove into the cheesecake batter, complementing the cinnamon in the crust. In New England, where apples are a staple of the harvest season, the crust might include oat or nut additions to give the bars a more rustic texture. Each regions version celebrates local ingredients while maintaining the signature sweet-and-creamy balance.

Differences from Similar Desserts

Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars differ from traditional cheesecake bars primarily through their topping and texture combination. While classic cheesecake bars often feature fruit purees or plain flavors, the apple butter provides both sweetness and a lightly spiced complexity. Unlike apple pie or crumble bars, where the fruit dominates, here the cheesecake remains the star, and the apple butter is integrated as decorative swirls, offering flavor without overwhelming the creamy filling. This subtle integration sets it apart from simpler fruit-topped desserts.

Where They Are Commonly Served

These bars are particularly popular during autumn and holiday gatherings, often appearing at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and harvest festivals. They are a favorite for potlucks, family dinners, and dessert buffets because they are easy to cut into individual portions and transport. Cafs and bakeries in apple-growing regions may also feature them seasonally, taking advantage of the fresh apple harvest to enhance flavor.

Interesting Facts

Apple butter is traditionally cooked slowly over several hours, which concentrates the natural sugars of the apples and creates a rich, spreadable consistency perfect for desserts.
The water bath used to bake the cheesecake ensures a smooth, crack-free surface, which is a hallmark of professional cheesecake techniques.
These bars can be frozen individually, making them convenient for portion-controlled servings while preserving the flavor and texture.
The dessert reflects the American penchant for hybrid recipes, blending European cheesecake traditions with colonial apple butter, resulting in a uniquely seasonal treat.

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FAQ about Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

After preparing the cheesecake bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 5 days when properly stored. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

You can use salted butter in place of unsalted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the crust by about 1/4 teaspoon. This will help balance the flavors, as salted butter already contains salt.

If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can substitute with any large, oven-safe dish that fits comfortably around your 9x13-inch pan. Make sure the dish is deep enough to hold boiling water halfway up the sides of the baking pan. Alternatively, you can bake the cheesecake without the water bath, but this might affect the texture slightly.

Yes, you can use store-bought apple butter as a substitute for homemade apple butter. Just ensure it is of good quality and has a smooth, thick consistency. Some store-bought apple butters may be sweeter or more tangy, so adjust the sugar content of the recipe to your taste if necessary.

Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made ahead of time. In fact, they often taste better the next day after chilling overnight. Prepare the bars and allow them to cool completely. After they are fully chilled in the refrigerator, cut them into squares and serve. The bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To help prevent cracking, it’s important to bake the cheesecake slowly and evenly. The water bath helps create a moist environment, but you should also avoid overbaking. The cheesecake is done when it is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar before refrigerating.

Yes, you can use other types of crusts. For example, you can use crushed vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, or even a traditional pie crust. Just be sure to adjust the amount of butter and sugar accordingly, as different crusts have varying sweetness and moisture levels.

Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut. This will help to prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the knife and ensure neat, uniform slices.

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken. If the center is too firm, the cheesecake may be overcooked. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to avoid this.

Comments

Bess

04/10/2025 07:14:43 PM

These are the best bars I've ever eaten. Totally worth the effort!

Chloe

02/10/2025 06:19:23 PM

I made this recipe about a month ago and now down to the very last piece! AMAZING! The cheesecake alone was as well. After cutting the bars, I froze the individual pieces to have at will. It freezes well also. I used some homemade apple butter bottled and frozen six months ago, and followed the recipe to a tee! Most delicious homemade cheesecake recipe I’ve tasted in a very long time, and will definitely be making these again! CFS

Ashley Torres

10/08/2024 02:25:36 PM

This came together in minutes.

RusticUdo4525

10/07/2024 08:40:09 PM

OMG! So rich, creamy. Yum!

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