Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

There’s something incredibly satisfying about indulging in a piece of Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars. One of my fondest memories is enjoying these delightful treats on warm summer evenings, sitting on the porch with friends, sharing laughter and stories. As the sun sets, the sweet aroma filled the air, and each bite offered a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures. These bars have a way of transporting me back to those carefree days, where dessert was the highlight of the evening. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a piece of nostalgia, a celebration of sweet moments that linger long past the last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

Understanding the essence of the ingredients in Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars is key to achieving that perfect flavor balance. Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery graham cracker crust to the creamy filling enhanced by the butterscotch. These ingredients work harmoniously together, creating a dessert that’s not only delightful but memorable.

• 11 ounces butterscotch chips: These chips are the star of the show, bringing a rich, sweet flavor to every bite. They melt beautifully, creating a smooth, luxurious filling that’s hard to resist.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the crust, making it perfectly buttery and flaky. It’s essential for bringing all the flavors together and providing that satisfying texture.
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: These crumbs form the base of your bars, providing a crisp contrast to the creamy filling. They add that signature flavor that pairs perfectly with the butterscotch.
• 8 ounces cream cheese: Soften your cream cheese to achieve a smooth consistency. It creates a creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the butterscotch perfectly.
• 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to create a rich and cohesive cheesecake filling.
• One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and creaminess, enriching the filling and making every bite indulgent.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla: A dash of vanilla enhances all the flavors, rounding out the sweetness and contributing to a warm, comforting taste.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Salt is crucial in balancing sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake bars.

Instructions for Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

Getting started on your Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a delectable dessert ready to impress. Let’s dive into the process of creating these scrumptious bars.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by preparing a 9×9-inch baking pan. Line the pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and spray it with cooking spray; this will help the bars come out seamlessly.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butterscotch chips and butter. Heat over medium to medium-low heat, stirring continuously until melted. It may take about 5 minutes for the chips to melt completely, and the mixture will look unappealing at first, so keep whisking!

3. Once the mixture is smooth and emulsified, remove it from the heat. Add the graham cracker crumbs and stir until well combined. Set aside one heaping cup of this mixture to top the bars later.

4. Transfer the remaining mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to hard-pack it evenly into a smooth crust. Set this aside as you prepare the filling.

5. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), add the cream cheese and beat on high for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.

6. Add in the egg, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat the mixture again until everything is fully incorporated. It’s normal to see small blobs of cream cheese; just keep mixing until they’re diminished.

7. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring it’s well spread out.

8. Sprinkle the reserved butterscotch crumb mixture evenly on top of the filling, which will create a delightful texture contrast.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 32 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly jiggly. Start checking around 25 to 30 minutes, as oven times can vary.

10. Once done, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate until well chilled before slicing into squares and serving.

Make It Your Own

There’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to your Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars. Here are some tips to put your own spin on this delicious recipe!

• Add Nuts: Consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for extra crunch.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different chips like chocolate or peanut butter for a unique twist.
• Serving Temperature: These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
• Decorative Topping: Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a stunning presentation.
• Freezing: If you want to make them ahead, they freeze well! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer.
• Storage: These bars last up to a week in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep.

Serving This Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

• Perfect for Parties: Slice these bars into bite-sized pieces for easy serving at gatherings.
• Ideal for Dessert Buffets: They make a great addition to dessert tables, complementing various other sweets.
• Pair with Drinks: These bars pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even milk, balancing the sweetness.
• Seasonal Treat: Serve them at holiday gatherings or as a special treat during family get-togethers.
• Individual Servings: Consider placing them in decorative cupcake liners for individual servings at events.
• Presentation: A sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the flavors and add a gourmet touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that create a truly special dessert experience. Their creamy filling paired with the crunchy crust is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try making these bars for your next gathering or even just for a sweet treat at home. You won’t be disappointed!

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

The ultimate comfort food, these Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars are creamy, sweet, and irresistibly delicious. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust and smooth butterscotch filling, they’ll satisfy your dessert cravings. Treat yourself tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 11 ounces butterscotch chips
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• ½ teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by preparing a 9x9-inch baking pan. Line the pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and spray it with cooking spray; this will help the bars come out seamlessly.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butterscotch chips and butter. Heat over medium to medium-low heat, stirring continuously until melted. It may take about 5 minutes for the chips to melt completely, and the mixture will look unappealing at first, so keep whisking!
3. Once the mixture is smooth and emulsified, remove it from the heat. Add the graham cracker crumbs and stir until well combined. Set aside one heaping cup of this mixture to top the bars later.
4. Transfer the remaining mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to hard-pack it evenly into a smooth crust. Set this aside as you prepare the filling.
5. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), add the cream cheese and beat on high for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Don't forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
6. Add in the egg, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat the mixture again until everything is fully incorporated. It’s normal to see small blobs of cream cheese; just keep mixing until they’re diminished.
7. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring it’s well spread out.
8. Sprinkle the reserved butterscotch crumb mixture evenly on top of the filling, which will create a delightful texture contrast.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 32 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly jiggly. Start checking around 25 to 30 minutes, as oven times can vary.
10. Once done, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate until well chilled before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

• Storage: Keep your bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.