Velvety Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Golden Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dessert lovers rejoice as these butterscotch graham cracker cheesecake bars sweep you into a world of decadent sweetness.

Rich, creamy textures merge with the nostalgic crunch of graham crackers in an irresistible treat.

The golden butterscotch layers dance between smooth cream cheese and crisp cracker base, creating a symphony of indulgence.

Each bite promises a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Luxurious yet simple, these bars deliver complex flavors without demanding complex techniques.

Chocolate and caramel enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by this unexpected flavor combination.

These bars are the ultimate dessert to share and savor with everyone around you.

Serving Suggestions for Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars

  • Pair with Sweet Companions: Serve these luscious bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
  • Create Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice the bars into neat squares and dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with extra melted butterscotch for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Perfect Party Treat: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at potlucks, gatherings, or office celebrations, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert option that everyone will love.
  • Enhance with Beverage Pairings: Complement the rich butterscotch flavor by serving with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and add depth to the dessert.

How to Store Your Cheesecake Bars Right

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store these delectable bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their creamy texture.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Carefully wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats will stay delicious for up to 3 months, ready for spontaneous dessert cravings.
  • Thaw with Patience: Move frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to gently defrost and preserve their original smooth consistency without compromising flavor.
  • Serve at Perfect Temperature: Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, which enhances their butterscotch flavor and creates a softer, more luxurious texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Ingredients

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet base that complements the butterscotch flavor and adds delightful texture.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Infuses rich, caramel-like sweetness and creates a golden, luxurious foundation for the bars.
  • Butter: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds a smooth, rich undertone.
For Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a silky, tangy base that gives the bars their signature cheesecake consistency.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps achieve a smooth, luscious texture.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps the filling set properly during baking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the depth of other ingredients.
For Topping:
  • Reserved Butterscotch Crumb Mixture: Delivers a delightful crunch and extra burst of butterscotch flavor on top of the creamy filling.

What Tools Help Build Cheesecake Bars Easily

  • 9×9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar size.
  • Aluminum foil: Helps with easy cleanup and removal of bars.
  • Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures smooth release.
  • Medium saucepan: Needed for melting butterscotch chips and butter.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly combining butterscotch mixture.
  • Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Mixing bowls: Used for preparing different components of the recipe.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

  • Baking Preparation

Warm up the oven and get your baking pan ready by lining it with foil and giving it a light spray. This trick helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

  • Butterscotch Base

Gently melt butterscotch chips and butter together, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Mix in graham cracker crumbs to create a delicious foundation for your bars. Save a cup of this crumbly mixture for later.

  • Crust Formation

Press the butterscotch graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan, creating a solid and even base that will hold your creamy filling perfectly.

  • Cheesecake Filling

Whip cream cheese until it’s super smooth and fluffy. Add egg, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit lumpy at first – keep mixing and it will come together beautifully.

  • Assembly and Baking

Pour the creamy filling over the butterscotch crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top. Bake until the top looks set but still has a slight jiggle when you move the pan.

  • Cooling and Serving

Let the bars cool at room temperature for about an hour. Chill in the refrigerator to help them set completely before slicing and enjoying your decadent treat.

Flavor Swaps for Cheesecake Bars

  • Use low heat and whisk constantly to prevent burning or separating the butterscotch and butter mixture, ensuring a smooth and glossy texture.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or gingersnaps for a unique flavor profile and interesting texture variation.
  • Avoid overbaking by removing the cheesecake bars when the center is slightly jiggly but set, which helps maintain a creamy, crack-free surface.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate, sprinkle chopped nuts, or add a caramel swirl before baking to enhance the butterscotch flavor and create visual appeal.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts or party prep.
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Velvety Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Velvety Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Luxurious butterscotch graham cracker cheesecake bars deliver pure indulgence with creamy cheesecake and rich butterscotch notes. Bakers seeking comfort and elegance will savor each delectable bite of this irresistible dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 11 oz (311 g) butterscotch chips
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 (14 oz/396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prep Pan: Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray for effortless bar removal.
  2. Create Butterscotch Base: Melt butterscotch chips and unsalted butter over medium-low heat, whisking until smooth and uniform, then integrate graham cracker crumbs to form a cohesive mixture.
  3. Build Crust Layer: Reserve one heaping cup of butterscotch crumb mixture, then press the remaining blend firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to create a compact crust.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese until light and fluffy, then blend in large egg, sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated and silky smooth.
  5. Assemble Layers: Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over the butterscotch graham cracker crust, then sprinkle the reserved butterscotch crumb mixture across the top.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 32 to 35 minutes until the top sets with a slight jiggle, then cool at room temperature for one hour and refrigerate several hours before serving.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Line the pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray for effortless bar removal and clean slicing.
  • Butterscotch Melting Magic: Whisk butterscotch chips and butter slowly and consistently to prevent burning and achieve a silky smooth texture.
  • Cheesecake Consistency Tip: Beat cream cheese on high speed until completely smooth and lump-free for a creamy, velvety filling.
  • Baking Perfection: Watch for a slightly jiggly top when baking, which indicates the cheesecake is perfectly cooked and will set beautifully when chilled.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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