Dreamy Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet treats have a magical way of bringing joy to our world, and these butterscotch graham cracker cheesecake bars create pure dessert magic with every single bite.

Layers of creamy cheesecake nestled between crunchy graham crackers dance with rich butterscotch undertones.

The combination sounds decadent and promises an indulgent experience that will delight your taste buds.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these bars offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors that anyone can master in their kitchen.

Each square delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and buttery notes that melt seamlessly together.

Smooth cream cheese blends wonderfully with the caramel-like butterscotch, creating an irresistible dessert that begs to be shared.

You’ll find these bars are the perfect ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon treat that sparks pure happiness.

Plating Tips for Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

• Elegant Dessert Plating: Arrange bars on a sleek white ceramic plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the visual appeal.
• Complementary Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of chai tea or a cold glass of milk to balance the rich butterscotch and creamy cheesecake flavors, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Garnish: Top each bar with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, a drizzle of extra butterscotch sauce, or a small mint leaf for a professional touch that adds texture and visual interest.
• Seasonal Twist: During autumn, pair these bars with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or serve on a wooden board with candied pecans to create a cozy, festive dessert moment that celebrates seasonal warmth.

Make Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Last Longer

• Keep these delightful bars in an airtight container within your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stack them carefully between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain their pristine appearance.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for approximately 3 weeks without losing their delectable texture and flavor.
• Prepare the entire dessert up to 2 days before serving. The graham cracker crust and cheesecake filling actually develop richer flavors when allowed to rest in the refrigerator, making them perfect for advance preparation.
• Always remove bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the cheesecake to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy texture and releasing the full depth of butterscotch and vanilla notes.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the graham cracker crust so delicious?

The graham cracker crumbs combined with melted butter and granulated sugar create a perfectly crisp and sweet base that provides a delightful texture and rich flavor to the cheesecake bars.

• How do I ensure my cheesecake filling is smooth and creamy?

Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip the heavy cream separately and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, fluffy texture without overmixing.

• Why is chilling the cheesecake bars important?

Chilling allows the cheesecake to set properly, making it firm enough to cut into clean bars and helping the flavors meld together. Refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight ensures the perfect consistency and taste.

• Can I prevent the butterscotch from burning when melting?

Melt the butterscotch chips with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly. This gentle method prevents burning and creates a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the foundational crunch and nutty base for the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
• Melted Butter: Ensures crisp texture and helps crumbs stick together perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth, and tangy core of the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens filling while maintaining silky texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Heavy Cream: Provides lightness and helps create fluffy, airy filling.

• Butterscotch Chips: Delivers deep, caramel-like sweetness with rich golden color.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt chips smoothly and creates glossy drizzle consistency.

What You’ll Use for Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

• 9-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect bar base, ensuring even baking and easy removal.
• Mixing bowls: Medium and large sizes needed for combining graham cracker crust and preparing creamy cheesecake filling.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese smoothly and whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading cheesecake filling evenly and smoothing the top with precision.
• Small saucepan: Used for melting butterscotch chips and creating the delicious drizzle sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Key for accurately measuring ingredients to ensure recipe success.
• Parchment paper: Helps line the baking dish for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.

Steps to Create Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

• Create Crumbly Base

Crush graham crackers into fine pieces and mix with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating a solid foundation for your delicious dessert. Chill the base while preparing the next layer.

• Whip Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Fold in whipped cream gently, creating a light and airy texture. Ensure the mixture is completely blended with no lumps for a perfect, velvety consistency.

• Layer and Chill

Spread the creamy filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker base. Smooth the top with a spatula to create a perfectly flat surface. Refrigerate for several hours until the filling sets completely and becomes firm.

• Drizzle Butterscotch

Melt butterscotch chips with cream in a small pan, stirring until glossy and smooth. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then artfully drizzle over the chilled cheesecake. Create beautiful patterns that will make mouths water.

• Slice and Savor

Cut the chilled dessert into elegant bars. Serve cold and enjoy the divine combination of crispy crust, creamy filling, and rich butterscotch topping. Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Tips to Upgrade Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

• Prepare the entire dessert up to 3 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for stress-free entertaining.
• Skip baking by using pre-made graham cracker crust and chilling the cheesecake filling for a quick, effortless dessert option.
• Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Experiment with different chip variations like caramel, white chocolate, or dark chocolate drizzle to transform the classic butterscotch topping and create unique taste profiles.
• Cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares for elegant dessert platters or individual servings at parties, making them perfect for gatherings and potlucks.

Heavenly Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars blend creamy richness with sweet caramel notes. Layered textures and indulgent flavors promise a delightful dessert experience that satisfies all sweet cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, mixing with sugar and melted butter until the mixture coheres when pressed. Press the crumb blend evenly into a lined 9-inch baking pan, creating a compact foundation. Briefly chill to stabilize the base.
2. Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese until supremely smooth, gradually blending in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining its airy texture and creating a velvety filling.
3. Assembly and Chilling: Spread the cheesecake filling uniformly across the chilled crust, ensuring a level surface. Refrigerate for a minimum of four hours to allow complete setting and optimal firmness.
4. Butterscotch Sauce Creation: Melt butterscotch chips with heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then elegantly drizzle across the set cheesecake, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor profile.
5. Serving: Cut into precise, uniform bars that showcase the layers of crisp crust, creamy filling, and luxurious butterscotch topping. Serve thoroughly chilled to preserve the dessert’s exceptional texture and taste complexity.

Notes

Crush Crackers Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniformly fine graham cracker crumbs, ensuring a consistent and compact crust that holds together perfectly.

Control Cream Cheese Temperature: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing, preventing lumps and creating a smoother, more luxurious filling texture.

Whip Cream with Precision: Use cold heavy cream and chilled mixing bowl to achieve maximum volume and stability when whipping, resulting in a lighter, more airy cheesecake filling.

Drizzle Butterscotch Strategically: Let butterscotch sauce cool slightly before drizzling to prevent melting the cheesecake surface, and use a squeeze bottle or spoon for more controlled, artistic patterns.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg