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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate graham cracker crumbs into the melted butterscotch mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a cohesive blend.
- Separate and reserve one heaping cup of the butterscotch crumb mixture in a separate bowl for later use.
- Press the remaining butterscotch crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact and level crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared butterscotch graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sprinkle the reserved butterscotch crumb mixture across the top of the cheesecake layer.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- 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