Silky Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Autumn Treat

Rich, creamy cheesecakes with a delightful apple butter swirl always spark joy at gatherings.

This decadent dessert brings together smooth apple butter and classic cheesecake in an irresistible combination.

Layers of velvety cream cheese meld perfectly with the warm, spiced notes of homemade apple butter.

Each bite promises a delectable balance of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

The golden graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that complements the silky filling.

Elegant yet approachable, this cheesecake transforms a simple dessert into a show-stopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to impress and indulge in a slice of pure comfort.

Fridge Storage Tips for Apple Cheesecake

• Keep your cheesecake covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sealed container prevents moisture loss and maintains the creamy texture.
• Prepare the entire cheesecake 1-2 days before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance the apple butter's depth. The advance preparation helps develop richer taste profiles.
• Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Cut the cheesecake into individual slices before freezing. This method allows you to defrost only what you need, keeping the remaining portions fresh and preventing unnecessary waste.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the crust for this cheesecake?

Graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar are mixed together to create a sweet and crunchy base that’s pressed firmly into the springform pan.

• Can I substitute apple butter if I can't find it?

While apple butter is key to the recipe’s flavor, you could use apple sauce or homemade apple butter, but the taste and consistency might slightly change.

• Is this cheesecake difficult to make?

No, this is a no-bake cheesecake which makes it very easy to prepare. You only need to mix ingredients, layer them, and chill in the refrigerator.

• How long does the cheesecake need to set?

The cheesecake needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to become firm and fully set, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

Apple Butter Cheesecake Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crunchy foundation with rich, sweet undertones that complement the creamy filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold its shape and adds delightful flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers the signature smooth, tangy base that makes cheesecake irresistibly rich and velvety.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures silky sweetness without graininess, blending seamlessly into the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex depth and aromatic sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a light, airy texture that makes the filling incredibly luxurious and soft.
• Apple Butter: Introduces a deep, concentrated apple flavor with warm spice notes that elevate the entire dessert.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Provide warm, comforting spices that complement the apple butter and create a cozy autumn feeling.

• Additional Apple Butter: Offers an extra layer of intense apple flavor and creates a beautiful, glossy finish.
• Whipped Cream: Adds a cloud-like, light topping that brings extra creaminess and visual appeal.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a final aromatic sprinkle that enhances the dessert's warmth and presentation.

Tools for Layering This No-Bake Fall Dessert

• Springform Pan: 9-inch round essential for easy cheesecake removal.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large sizes for combining crust and filling ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Helps beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients and smoothing the top of the cheesecake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing dry ingredients and blending spices.

Instructions for Building Apple Butter Cheesecake

• Create Crumbly Base

Press graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your decadent dessert. Refrigerate while preparing the creamy filling.

• Whip Dreamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating whipped cream with gentle folding motions. Swirl in aromatic apple butter, allowing warm spices to dance through the mixture.

• Construct Delightful Layers

Pour the luscious cheesecake blend over the chilled crust, smoothing the surface with a gentle touch. Refrigerate for several hours until perfectly set.

• Enhance with Apple Charm

Crown your cheesecake with an additional lavish layer of apple butter, creating a stunning and flavorful topping.

• Serve and Celebrate

Slice the chilled masterpiece and garnish with a billowy cloud of whipped cream. Dust with a whisper of cinnamon for a final, elegant touch that will delight your guests.

Spices and Toppings to Add More Depth

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
• Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to achieve a ultra-smooth, lump-free filling that spreads beautifully.
• Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version, and use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
• This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and holiday gatherings.
• Drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle toasted pecans on top for an extra layer of decadent autumn-inspired flavor that complements the apple butter beautifully.

Serve Cheesecake Chilled with Autumn Vibes

• Cozy Autumn Gathering: Serve this cheesecake at a fall-themed dinner party with friends, pairing it with warm apple cider or spiced tea for a complete seasonal experience.
• Brunch Delight: Slice the cheesecake into smaller portions and include it on a weekend brunch buffet alongside other seasonal pastries and fresh fruit.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Complement the rich apple butter flavors with a sweet dessert wine like Riesling or a late harvest Moscato, enhancing the cheesecake's warm spice notes.
• Gifting Treat: Package individual slices in decorative boxes with a cinnamon stick for a thoughtful homemade dessert gift during holiday season gatherings.

Smooth Apple Butter Cheesecake

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Rich and creamy Apple Butter Cheesecake celebrates autumn’s warmest flavors with a graham cracker crust and silky no-bake filling. Cool desserts like this invite friends to savor seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml/240 g) apple butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 g) apple butter, for topping
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers and blend with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly into the springform pan’s base. Chill while assembling remaining components.
2. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky, blending powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Incorporate whipped cream gently to achieve a cloud-like consistency.
3. Spice Infusion: Merge apple butter with cinnamon and nutmeg, folding the aromatic mixture into the cream cheese base, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the filling.
4. Assembly and Setting: Cascade the spiced cheesecake mixture onto the chilled crust, smoothing with a spatula. Refrigerate for 4 hours until completely stabilized and firm.
5. Final Flourish: Drizzle an additional layer of apple butter across the surface for intensified flavor. Garnish with delicate whipped cream rosettes and a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.

Notes

Chill Crust Completely: Refrigerate graham cracker base for at least 30 minutes to ensure a firm, stable foundation that prevents crumbling when slicing.

Balance Spice Ratio: Adjust ground cinnamon and nutmeg proportions carefully to maintain a subtle warmth without overpowering the delicate cream cheese flavor.

Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess liquid from apple butter to prevent a runny consistency and maintain the cheesecake’s structural integrity.

Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use low-fat cream cheese for lighter, allergen-friendly variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg