Description
This Apple Butter Cheesecake is a luscious and creamy dessert perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a spiced apple butter-infused filling, it delivers cozy flavors with a smooth, velvety texture. Optional toppings of whipped cream and candied pecans add a delightful finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- Whipped cream
- Crushed graham crackers or candied pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom with foil to prevent leaks during baking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed, scraping down the sides as needed. Fold in apple butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, blending until the filling is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool the cheesecake: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
- Add toppings and serve: Before serving, spread the remaining apple butter over the top. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or candied pecans if desired for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves to the filling mixture.
- This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- You may use either homemade or store-bought apple butter according to convenience; both work beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
