Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Butterscotch graham cracker cheesecake bars bring creamy indulgence to dessert lovers seeking a delightful twist on classic treats.

Sweet layers of complexity emerge from this decadent confection that converts ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Rich flavors dance between buttery graham cracker crusts and smooth, silky cream cheese foundations.

Unexpected butterscotch notes weave through each delectable bite, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these bars offer a perfect balance of comfort and culinary creativity.

Ideal for gatherings or personal moments of pure bliss, they promise to elevate any dessert experience.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that delivers pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars That Melt in Your Mouth

• Indulge in Layered Luxury: These butterscotch graham cracker cheesecake bars offer a decadent multi-textured experience with a crunchy graham cracker base, creamy cheesecake middle, and sweet butterscotch topping that creates a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: The recipe requires minimal baking skills, uses simple ingredients, and follows straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master, making it a stress-free dessert option for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Make-Ahead Dessert Perfection: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing busy home cooks to have a delicious dessert ready without last-minute preparation, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or unexpected guests.
• Versatile Comfort Treat: The combination of butterscotch, graham crackers, and cheesecake creates a nostalgic dessert that bridges classic American flavors, offering a comforting and familiar taste that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with rich, sweet flavor that provides sturdy foundation for cheesecake bars.
• Butterscotch Chips: Sweet morsels that melt into rich, caramel-like sauce adding depth and unique flavor to crust.
• Butter: Helps bind ingredients and creates smooth, cohesive texture for graham cracker crust.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy base that creates smooth and rich cheesecake texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create silky, consistent filling.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredients' flavors.

• Butterscotch Chips: Sprinkled on top for additional sweetness and textural contrast with golden, caramel-like appearance.

How to Make Cheesecake Bars with Butterscotch Flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Butterscotch Mixture

• Butterscotch chips
• Butter

Heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly for 5 minutes until smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Make Graham Cracker Base

Add graham cracker crumbs to the melted butterscotch mixture and stir thoroughly. Remove 1 heaping cup of the mixture and set aside in a small bowl.

Step 4: Form Crust Layer

Transfer remaining butterscotch crumb mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly to create a smooth, compact crust.

Step 5: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese on high speed until smooth and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down bowl sides.

Step 6: Add Filling Ingredients

• Egg
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla
• Salt

Beat until well combined. Small cream cheese lumps are normal and will dissolve with continued mixing.

Step 7: Pour and Top Cheesecake

Pour cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle reserved butterscotch mixture on top.

Step 8: Bake the Bars

Bake for 32-35 minutes. The top should be set but slightly jiggly. Check starting at 25 minutes, as oven temperatures vary.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Let bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled before serving.

Tips for Crisp Graham Layers and Creamy Topping

• Melt Carefully: Whisk butterscotch chips and butter continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even mixture.
• Pack the Crust Firmly: Use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to compress the graham cracker crust evenly, creating a solid base for the cheesecake layer.
• Beat Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps in the final texture.
• Check Baking Doneness: Watch for a slightly set top with a gentle jiggle – this indicates the perfect baking point for creamy cheesecake bars.
• Chill Completely: Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow bars to set fully, which enhances flavor and makes cutting cleaner and easier.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesecake Bars Without Drying

• Refrigeration: Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Enjoy these bars chilled directly from the refrigerator. If you prefer a slightly warmer treat, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the texture grainy and compromise the creamy consistency.

Best Pairings with Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars

• Pair with Warm Vanilla Latte: The creamy, rich butterscotch cheesecake bars find their perfect match in a smooth vanilla latte. The coffee's warmth cuts through the dessert's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor experience.
• Complement with Salted Caramel Whiskey: A small glass of salted caramel whiskey enhances the butterscotch notes, adding depth and complexity to each bite. The slight alcohol warmth elevates the dessert's rich, buttery profile.
• Serve with Toasted Pecan Ice Cream: A scoop of toasted pecan ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the cheesecake bars. The nutty, cold creaminess perfectly balances the warm butterscotch and graham cracker textures.
• Match with Spiced Chai Tea: A fragrant chai tea offers warm spices that beautifully complement the butterscotch's caramel undertones. The tea's subtle heat and aromatic notes create a harmonious pairing that enhances the dessert's sweetness.

Unique Twists on Classic Cheesecake Bar Recipes

• Salted Caramel Comfort: Replace butterscotch chips with caramel chips and sprinkle sea salt on top for a rich, sophisticated flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Swap butterscotch chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips and add chocolate graham crackers to intensify the chocolate experience.
• Nutty Praline Fusion: Mix chopped pecans into the butterscotch crumb base and sprinkle additional crushed nuts on top for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Seasonal Spice Surprise: Incorporate ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture, creating a warm, cozy autumn-inspired dessert bar.

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars blend creamy richness with sweet crunch in a delightful dessert. Layers of graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake, and golden butterscotch create an irresistible treat you cannot wait to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 11 ounces (311 grams) butterscotch chips
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 large egg

Dairy and Liquid Components:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 (14-ounce/396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment by lining a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) pan with aluminum foil and lightly coating with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Melt butterscotch chips and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, continuously whisking until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Incorporate graham cracker crumbs into the melted butterscotch mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a cohesive blend.
4. Separate and reserve one heaping cup of the butterscotch crumb mixture in a separate bowl for later use.
5. Press the remaining butterscotch crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact and level crust.
6. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whip cream cheese on high speed until light, fluffy, and free of lumps, about 2 to 3 minutes, periodically scraping down the bowl’s sides.
7. Add large egg, sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese, beating until the ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture appears smooth.
8. Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared butterscotch graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
9. Sprinkle the reserved butterscotch crumb mixture across the top of the cheesecake layer.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 32 to 35 minutes, watching for a set top with a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
12. Refrigerate the cooled bars for several hours until thoroughly chilled before cutting and serving.

Notes

• Creamy butterscotch and graham cracker layers create a decadent dessert that’s both rich and indulgent.
• Melting butterscotch chips with butter ensures a smooth, glossy base for the graham cracker crust.
• Beat cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and create a silky cheesecake filling.
• Small cream cheese blobs are normal and will disappear with continued mixing.
• Baking time may vary slightly depending on individual oven temperatures, so watch carefully after 25 minutes.
• Chilling is crucial for setting the bars and developing maximum flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg