Description
Apple Butter Cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert perfect for fall, blending smooth cheesecake texture with the warm, spiced sweetness of apple butter. This comforting treat features a buttery graham cracker crust paired with a luscious, subtly spiced filling, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Start by crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs and mixing them with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form a sturdy base. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until fully combined. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Incorporate Apple Butter and Flavorings: Fold in the apple butter along with vanilla extract, and if desired, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix just until combined to keep the batter light and flavorful without overworking it.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 50–60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble. Let it cool gradually to avoid cracks.
- Chill and Serve: Once the cheesecake is completely cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracks or dense texture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother blending.
- Baking in a water bath helps keep the cheesecake moist and crack-free.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually, ideally with the oven door ajar, to prevent sudden temperature changes.
- Use high-quality apple butter, homemade or boutique, for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Apple Butter, Cheesecake, Fall Dessert, Autumn, Spiced Cheesecake, Cream Cheese Dessert, Holiday Dessert