Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe

Easy Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Dessert Treat

Rich, velvety apple butter cheesecake converts ordinary dessert into a mouthwatering autumn sensation.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with warm spices and deep caramel undertones.

Sweet orchards burst through every delectable bite, promising an indulgent experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Creamy textures mingle with rustic fruit essences, creating a harmonious balance of comfort and elegance.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, weaving a tapestry of nostalgic flavors that whisper of cozy gatherings.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert elevates traditional cheesecake with its luxurious apple-infused profile.

Bakers seeking a show-stopping finale will find pure magic in this irresistible culinary creation.

Apple Butter Cheesecake With Autumn Spice Layers

  • Swirl with Seasonal Flavor: Apple butter adds a delightful autumnal twist, creating a rich, warm undertone that elevates the classic cheesecake with its deep, caramelized fruit essence.
  • Craft Effortless Elegance: This no-bake cheesecake delivers gourmet results with minimal kitchen skills, allowing home bakers to create a stunning dessert without complex techniques or extensive baking experience.
  • Texture Wonderland: The creamy, smooth cheesecake base contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust, while swirled apple butter provides unexpected bursts of fruity complexity and visual appeal.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for stress-free entertaining, this dessert requires only simple preparation and chills overnight, letting busy cooks prepare ahead and serve an impressive finale to any meal.

Ingredients for Creamy Apple Butter Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base with a sweet, graham-like flavor that provides a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds a cozy aroma and complements the apple butter perfectly.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and creates a rich, golden texture when melted.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary creamy component that gives cheesecake its signature smooth and tangy character.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a subtle brightness and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
Topping Ingredient:
  • Apple Butter: A concentrated, spiced apple spread that creates beautiful swirls and adds deep apple flavor to the cheesecake.

How to Bake This Spiced Cheesecake Just Right

Step 1: Create Crust Base

Melt butter until completely liquid. Pour into cracker mixture and stir thoroughly until the ingredients stick together and resemble wet sand-like texture.

Step 2: Shape Springform Pan Crust

Press the crumb mixture firmly into bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Use your fingertips or the back of a spoon to create an even layer. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

Step 3: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar

Beat ingredients until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency with no lumps.

Step 4: Enhance Filling Texture

Gradually incorporate:
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh lemon juice

Continue beating until filling becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble Cheesecake

Pour the prepared filling into the chilled crust, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Create Apple Butter Swirl

Dollop apple butter across the cheesecake surface. Use a knife or spatula to create elegant swirling patterns.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate cheesecake for 6-8 hours or preferably overnight. This allows filling to firm and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove springform pan sides, slice, and serve chilled. Garnish with additional apple butter or cinnamon if desired.

Tips for Swirling Apple Butter Into Every Bite

  • Crush Crackers Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a uniform, compact crust that holds together perfectly.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to prevent lumps in your cheesecake filling.
  • Swirl with Precision: Use the tip of a knife or a thin spatula to create beautiful, intricate swirl patterns with the apple butter for a professional-looking dessert.
  • Chill Completely: Allow the cheesecake to set for the full 6 hours or overnight to achieve the ideal firm yet creamy texture that slices cleanly.
  • Pan Protection Trick: Line the springform pan's bottom with parchment paper for easy removal and a clean presentation when serving.

Store Cheesecake Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the cheesecake covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for maximum 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator, as cheesecake tastes best when cold; avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture and prevent separation.

What to Pair With Apple Butter Desserts

  • Craft Warm Beverage Companions: Pair this creamy cheesecake with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or a rich cinnamon-infused coffee to complement the apple butter's warm notes.
  • Select Perfect Wine Matches: Choose a crisp Riesling or a light Gewürztraminer to balance the dessert's richness, with their slight sweetness enhancing the apple butter's deep flavors.
  • Design Complementary Garnish Plate: Serve alongside toasted pecans, caramel drizzle, and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add texture and elevate the cheesecake's complex taste profile.
  • Create Contrast with Drink Options: Enjoy a cold glass of apple cider or a smooth bourbon to bring out the dessert's autumnal essence and provide a delightful flavor contrast.

Fun Takes on Cheesecake for Fall Flavors

  • Pumpkin Spice Swirl: Replace apple butter with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice for a cozy autumn-inspired cheesecake.
  • Caramel Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and drizzle with caramel sauce before chilling for added texture and richness.
  • Berry Bliss Layer: Create a layer of mixed berry compote between the cream cheese filling and top, adding vibrant color and fresh fruity flavor.
  • Gingersnap Crust Option: Swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gingersnap cookies to introduce a spicy, warm undertone to the crust.
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Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe

Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky smooth apple butter cheesecake marries creamy richness with spiced autumn warmth. Rich cream cheese and caramelized apple butter create a luxurious dessert that transports you to cozy kitchen memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (476 grams) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (204 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (120 grams) apple butter

Spices and Flavoring:

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Binding and Base Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine, sandy particles and blend with warm ground cinnamon in a medium mixing vessel.
  2. Drizzle melted butter across the cracker mixture, stirring until the texture becomes uniformly moistened and compact.
  3. Carefully press the crumbly foundation into the base and lower walls of a circular springform baking pan, creating an even layer.
  4. Temporarily chill the prepared crust in the refrigerator to solidify its structure while assembling the creamy filling.
  5. Using an electric mixer, transform cream cheese and granulated sugar into a silky, lump-free consistency.
  6. Gradually incorporate heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice, whipping continuously until the mixture achieves a light, airy texture.
  7. Gently cascade the velvety filling into the chilled graham cracker foundation.
  8. Artfully distribute dollops of rich apple butter across the surface, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the cheesecake.
  9. Allow the dessert to rest and set completely by refrigerating for a minimum of six hours or preferably overnight, enabling the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly firm.

Notes

  • Prepare the crust beforehand to create a sturdy, cinnamon-infused base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends perfectly with sugar and cream.
  • Swirl apple butter gently to create beautiful marbled patterns that add visual appeal and burst of fruity flavor.
  • Chill the cheesecake for at least 6 hours to allow it to set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.
  • Opt for a springform pan to easily remove the cheesecake without damaging its delicate structure.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate the overall taste and presentation of this decadent dessert.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 508
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 97 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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