Heavenly Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Fall Treat

Crafting a delectable apple butter cheesecake transforms an ordinary dessert into a sublime autumn experience.

Sweet memories of orchard visits dance through each creamy slice.

Cinnamon and warm spices mingle with rich, velvety textures that promise comfort.

Silky cream cheese blends seamlessly with concentrated apple goodness, creating unexpected depth.

Seasonal ingredients tell a story of harvest and home-baked delight.

Simple techniques make this indulgent treat accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll want to savor every decadent bite of this irresistible seasonal masterpiece.

Why Apple Butter Cheesecake Hits Every Note

• Craft a Stunning Dessert: Create a show-stopping cheesecake that looks like it came from a professional bakery with minimal baking skills required.
• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Capture the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with the perfect blend of apple butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg in every creamy bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance, letting it chill overnight, which means less stress and more time to enjoy with family and friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Impress guests with a sophisticated dessert that combines classic cheesecake with the rich, nostalgic taste of spiced apple butter.

Everything Apple Butter Cheesecake Starts Here

• Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a solid crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the smooth and velvety consistency of the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic notes.
• Apple Butter: Introduces a deep, concentrated apple flavor and creates a beautiful marbled effect.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple butter and add depth to the cheesecake.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides a sweet and rich drizzle that enhances the dessert.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the finished cheesecake.

Foolproof Apple Butter Cheesecake Directions

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers

Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Aim for a sandy, uniform texture that will create a solid base for the cheesecake.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crust

Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture becomes slightly clumpy and holds together when pressed. This will ensure a sturdy and flavorful foundation.

Step 3: Form Crust in Pan

Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to compact the crust smoothly.

Step 4: Chill Crust

Place the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to help it set and become more stable.

Step 5: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F and position a rack in the center of the oven for even baking.

Step 6: Whip Cream Cheese

Beat cream cheese in a large mixer bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure no lumps remain for a silky texture.

Step 7: Incorporate Sugar

Gradually add sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until completely blended and no granules are visible.

Step 8: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform batter.

Step 9: Mix Creamy Ingredients

Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 10: Create Marbled Effect

Gently swirl apple butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cheesecake batter, creating a beautiful marbled pattern.

Step 11: Fill Pan

Pour the batter over the chilled graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 12: Bake Cheesecake

Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 13: Rest in Oven

Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Step 14: Cool at Room Temperature

Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 15: Chill Thoroughly

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.

Step 16: Decorate and Serve

Before serving, drizzle additional apple butter and caramel sauce on top.

Step 17: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped pecans and ground cinnamon over the cheesecake for extra flavor and texture.

Step 18: Slice and Enjoy

Slice the chilled cheesecake and serve to delighted guests.

Pro-Level Apple Butter Cheesecake Secrets

• Prevent Cracking Crust: Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to ensure even baking and prevent surface cracks.
• Smooth Mixing Technique: Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free batter that blends seamlessly.
• Swirl Like a Pro: Use a thin knife or toothpick to create elegant marbled patterns when incorporating apple butter, ensuring a beautiful and delicious visual effect.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the cheesecake to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to develop rich, deep flavors and perfect texture.

Creative Apple Butter Cheesecake Twists to Try

• Rustic Caramel Apple Butter Cheesecake: Add layers of caramelized apples between cheesecake filling for extra texture and rich autumn flavor.
• No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake: Replace baking method with a chilled, gelatin-stabilized filling using cream cheese, apple butter, and whipped cream.
• Streusel-Topped Apple Butter Cheesecake: Sprinkle a crunchy brown sugar and oat streusel over the cheesecake before baking for added warmth and crunch.
• Spiced Maple Apple Butter Cheesecake: Substitute some sugar with maple syrup and enhance spice profile by adding ground cardamom and extra cinnamon for deeper seasonal notes.

What to Serve with Apple Butter Cheesecake

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Craft a hot apple cider simmered with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange zest to complement the cheesecake's rich apple butter notes.
• Enhance with Vanilla Bean Bourbon: Select a smooth bourbon with vanilla and caramel undertones that will highlight the dessert's warm spices and creamy texture.
• Match with Caramel Pecan Crunch: Create a crisp pecan cookie or brittle as a side garnish, providing a delightful textural contrast to the silky cheesecake while echoing its nutty topping.
• Elevate with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a touch of ground cinnamon and powdered sugar to serve alongside the cheesecake, adding a light, aromatic companion to the dense dessert.

Apple Butter Cheesecake That Stays Amazing Overnight

• Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
• Carefully place the whole cheesecake or individual slices in a freezer-safe container. Seal with an airtight lid or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve its delicious taste and texture.
• Transfer the frozen cheesecake from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before serving. Allow it to slowly thaw overnight, which helps maintain its smooth consistency and prevents condensation.

Apple Butter Cheesecake: Your Burning Questions Solved

• What ingredients make the graham cracker crust special?

The crust uses graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter, creating a buttery and crunchy base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling perfectly.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for one hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent unsightly cracks in the surface.

• Why do I need to incorporate eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually ensures they blend smoothly into the cream cheese mixture, preventing lumps and creating a silky, consistent cheesecake texture.

Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy apple butter cheesecake brings rustic autumn charm to classic dessert lovers. Rich graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling invite you to savor seasonal comfort in one delightful slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base:

• 200 g graham crackers
• 80 g unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 680 g cream cheese, softened
• 200 g granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 240 ml sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 240 ml apple butter
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Topping:

• 120 ml apple butter
• 60 ml caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined and slightly clumpy.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
4. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling to help it set.
5. Preheat oven to 325°F and position a rack in the center of the oven.
6. Beat cream cheese in a large mixer bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until completely incorporated and no lumps remain.
8. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
9. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract until mixture is uniform and silky.
10. Gently swirl apple butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
11. Pour the batter over the chilled graham cracker crust.
12. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
13. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door cracked open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
14. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature.
15. Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
16. Before serving, drizzle additional apple butter and caramel sauce on top.
17. Sprinkle chopped pecans and ground cinnamon over the cheesecake.
18. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter that blends seamlessly.
• Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracks during baking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts for the crust.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg