If you adore the dreamy combination of creamy cheesecake, rich butterscotch, and the nostalgic crunch of graham crackers, you are going to fall head over heels for these Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars. This delightful dessert brings together a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a glossy, indulgent butterscotch topping. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion when you want to impress friends or simply indulge yourself with a sweet, comforting bite. The texture is just right, the flavor layers mingle beautifully, and every slice feels like a little celebration of dessert bliss.

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet crucial ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness in your Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars. Each ingredient plays a role—from the buttery base to the creamy filling and the sweet, silky topping.

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides the classic crunchy, slightly sweet crust that forms the base of our bars.
1/4 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together perfectly.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture to the crust while helping it hold its shape.
16 oz cream cheese, softened: The heart of the cheesecake filling, lending that smooth and creamy texture everyone loves.
1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the butterscotch topping’s flavor.
2 large eggs: Adds structure and richness to the filling for that satisfying cheesecake mouthfeel.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the cheesecake’s flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
1/2 cup sour cream: Contributes creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
1/2 cup butterscotch chips: The star of the topping, melting into a luscious sauce that crowns the bars beautifully.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Helps create a smooth, glossy butterscotch sauce.
2 tbsp heavy cream: Adds richness and silky texture to the topping.

How to Make Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mixing graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter gives you a “wet sand” texture that’s perfect for pressing evenly into your pan. Use a 9×9-inch greased baking pan to ensure easy removal later. After pressing the crust down firmly, bake it just until golden and set—this extra step prevents sogginess and gives it a delightful crunch in the finished bars.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Once your crust is cooling, it’s time to whip up that luscious cheesecake layer. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until perfectly smooth, then add eggs one at a time to keep everything creamy and well combined. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream for a tangy note that balances the sweetness. This filling is what transforms these bars from simple to spectacular.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust and spread it with a spatula for even baking. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30-35 minutes, keeping an eye out for a slightly jiggly center and golden edges. This texture ensures creamy indulgence without overbaking. Once done, cool them at room temperature before refrigerating—this chilling step helps the bars set beautifully and improves their flavor depth.

Step 4: Create the Butterscotch Topping and Finish

While the bars chill, gently melt the butterscotch chips, butter, and heavy cream together over low heat until smooth and glossy. Let the sauce cool just a bit, then drizzle it generously atop the fully chilled bars. Slice into perfect squares and watch as every bite becomes a delightful burst of buttery sweetness combined with creamy cheesecake and that irresistible crunchy crust.

How to Serve Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

To take your Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars to the next level, consider topping them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, some toasted pecans for crunch, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These additions add texture and a flavor contrast that can elevate the experience, making every bite extra special and visually inviting.

Side Dishes

These cheesecake bars shine on their own but pair delightfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The tartness of berries cuts through the richness, while the cold creaminess of ice cream complements the warm butterscotch perfectly, offering a balanced and indulgent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these bars at a party or special gathering, try placing them on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper, or cut them into mini bite-sized squares on toothpicks for a fun, easy-to-eat option. Drizzle extra homemade butterscotch sauce over the top right before serving for a stunning, glossy finish that will have guests swooning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, which is perfect for quick midweek treats or when you want a sweet snack on hand without any fuss.

Freezing

Freeze leftover bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving so the cheesecake texture stays creamy and delightful.

Reheating

These cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a slightly warmed bite, heat them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the texture just enough without melting the butterscotch topping, giving you a cozy dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs?

Absolutely! Store-bought crumbs are a time saver and work just fine for the crust. Just make sure they’re finely crushed for the best texture and ease of mixing with butter.

Can I substitute the sour cream in the filling?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Both provide a similar tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness well, though sour cream remains the classic choice for optimal texture.

What if I don’t have butterscotch chips? Can I use chocolate chips instead?

While chocolate chips will give you a different flavor profile and won’t melt into the same butterscotch sauce, you can certainly try them for a creative twist. Just be aware the taste and color will differ from traditional butterscotch toppings.

How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

The center should still be slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan, with edges lightly golden. Overbaking can dry out the bars, so keep an eye on that texture for perfectly creamy results.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookie crumbs in place of the regular graham crackers to adapt the recipe. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sinking your fork into a rich, creamy slice of Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars. This recipe balances sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors with a satisfying crunch that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser worth baking again and again. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch how quickly these bars disappear!