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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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