Silky Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this butterscotch graham cracker cheesecake bars creation that blends nostalgic comfort with decadent indulgence.

Rich layers meld creamy textures against crisp graham foundations, delivering a dessert that whispers pure delight.

Delicate butterscotch notes weave through each silky bite, promising complex flavor profiles beyond simple sweetness.

My grandmother’s vintage baking traditions spark inspiration for this modern twist on classic cheesecake.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with caramel-like butterscotch undertones, creating a harmonious symphony of taste sensations.

Subtle crunch from graham crackers provides perfect textural contrast against velvety filling.

She who masters these bars becomes an instant dessert hero among friends and family.

Brace yourself for an irresistible treat that will vanish faster than you can slice it.

How to Make Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Craft Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until crumbs become slightly damp. Press mixture firmly into a lined 9-inch baking dish, creating an even, compact layer. Place in refrigerator while preparing filling.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Continue beating until ingredients integrate seamlessly. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks develop. Fold whipped cream gently into cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy texture.

Step 3: Layer Cheesecake Base

Spread cheesecake filling evenly across chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to create a perfectly smooth surface. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to allow complete setting.

Step 4: Create Decadent Butterscotch Drizzle

• Butterscotch chips
• Heavy cream

Stir constantly over low heat until mixture becomes glossy and uniform. Allow sauce to cool slightly before decorating cheesecake surface with elegant drizzles.

Step 5: Slice and Savor

Remove cheesecake from refrigerator. Cut into neat bars. Serve chilled and enjoy the harmonious blend of rich, creamy cheesecake, crisp graham cracker foundation, and luxurious butterscotch topping.

Tips for Smooth Layers in Cheesecake Bars

• Prevent Soggy Crust: Bake the graham cracker crust for 10 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling to create a crisp, sturdy base that won't get soggy.
• Achieve Smooth Filling: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth cheesecake texture.
• Control Drizzle Design: Slightly cool the butterscotch sauce before drizzling to get precise, neat patterns that won't run or blur across the bars.
• Chill for Perfect Cutting: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to help them set firmly, making clean, sharp cuts easier when serving.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for a gluten-free or vegan-friendly version of the dessert.

Keeping Cheesecake Bars Fresh After Baking

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Place a paper towel between layers when stacking to absorb moisture and maintain the bars' texture. This prevents soggy or sticky surfaces.
• Remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the flavor and creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars

• Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with a splash of caramel syrup to complement the butterscotch's sweet, buttery notes.
• Serve alongside candied or toasted pecans to add a delightful crunch that echoes the graham cracker base and provides a nutty contrast.
• Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream next to the cheesecake bars to create a luxurious, cooling balance against the rich butterscotch flavor.
• Mix a smooth butterscotch martini with vanilla vodka and butterscotch liqueur to intensify the dessert's signature flavor profile.

Flavor Swaps for Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Alternative: Replace traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheesecake Transformation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Butterscotch Option: Substitute regular butterscotch chips with sugar-free butterscotch chips and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar to reduce overall sugar content.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Create a crust using crushed pecans or almond flour, use cream cheese, and replace butterscotch with a sugar-free caramel sauce made with butter and sugar-free sweetener.

Why Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Are Next-Level Good

• No-Bake Dessert that Requires Minimal Kitchen Skills and Delivers Maximum Flavor.
• Simple assembly process with no complicated baking techniques makes this recipe perfect for novice bakers seeking impressive results.
• Easily adaptable dessert that can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings where stress-free preparation matters.
• Combines multiple delightful textures- creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham cracker base, and silky butterscotch drizzle creating a multi-dimensional taste experience that delights every bite.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cheesecake Bars with Butterscotch

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the base with a classic, sweet foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps hold the crust together and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the creamy, smooth base of the cheesecake.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Provides lightness and helps create a fluffy texture.

• Butterscotch Chips: Delivers the signature sweet and buttery flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, pourable butterscotch sauce.

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent butterscotch graham cracker cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with classic comfort. Layers of sweet graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake, and golden butterscotch create a dessert that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 11 ounces (311 grams) butterscotch chips
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 (14 ounces/396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Dairy and Fat Components:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust foundation for your dessert by pulverizing graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs. Blend with granulated sugar and integrate melted butter until the mixture achieves a cohesive, slightly damp texture that holds together when pressed.
2. Transfer the crumb mixture into a meticulously lined 9-inch baking pan, compressing it firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a solid, compact base. Chill the crust momentarily to stabilize its structure.
3. Whip softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until exceptionally smooth and free of lumps. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, silky consistency.
4. In a separate vessel, vigorously whip heavy cream until it develops robust, defined peaks. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining its airy volume while creating a harmonious, velvety filling.
5. Carefully distribute the cheesecake filling across the chilled crust, using a flexible spatula to ensure an impeccably level surface. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of four hours, allowing it to set completely and develop its characteristic firmness.
6. Generate a decadent butterscotch sauce by gently melting butterscotch chips with heavy cream in a small saucepan. Stir continuously to prevent scorching, creating a glossy, smooth liquid that will cascade beautifully over the chilled cheesecake.
7. Once the sauce has slightly cooled, artfully drizzle it across the surface of the set cheesecake, creating elegant patterns that enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity.
8. Slice into precise, uniform bars, ensuring each portion captures the harmonious blend of crisp crust, creamy filling, and rich butterscotch topping. Serve thoroughly chilled for optimal texture and taste experience.

Notes

• Chill your cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture without lumps.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts when slicing the bars.
• Customize the crust by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for dietary restrictions.
• Enhance butterscotch flavor by adding a pinch of sea salt to the topping for a sophisticated sweet-savory balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg