Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a rich homemade butterscotch sauce. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars make an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the butterscotch topping:
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the crust and cheesecake filling.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, ensuring even moisture for the crust.
- Press and Bake Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and set, then remove from the oven and let cool.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined with a smooth texture.
- Assemble and Bake Cheesecake Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30-35 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly and edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Chill Bars: Remove from oven, cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the cheesecake bars.
- Prepare Butterscotch Topping: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butterscotch chips with butter and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve: Drizzle the cooled butterscotch sauce over the chilled cheesecake bars before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy this indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Allow cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; it should remain slightly jiggly in the center to avoid cracking and ensure creaminess.
- Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for clean cuts when slicing the chilled bars.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inches)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars, Graham Cracker Crust, Butterscotch Dessert, Cheesecake Bars, Easy Dessert, Cream Cheese Dessert