Introduction

Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars combine a creamy, tangy filling with the warm, spiced flavor of apple butter, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. These no-bake bars are perfect for a cozy dessert that’s easy to prepare and delightful to share.

A dessert cut into nine square pieces is placed on crumpled brown paper over a wooden surface replaced with white marble texture. Each piece has three visible layers: a light brown base, a thick creamy white middle layer with a smooth texture, and a dark brown topping swirled unevenly in patterns on the white cream. The squares are arranged neatly in three rows and three columns, showing clear cut lines between them. Parts of a white plate with food and a red fruit slice are visible around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crushed graham cracker sheets)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
¾ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ cup (120 g) apple butter

Instructions

Step 1: Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup sugar. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step 3: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hand or the bottom of a flat measuring cup. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar with a hand-held mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add heavy cream and fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened and fluffy.
Step 6: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of apple butter over the top of the filling. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the apple butter into the filling, being careful not to disturb the crust below.
Step 8: Cover and refrigerate the bars for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until firm and set.
Step 9: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker crust before pressing it into the pan.
You can substitute apple butter with pumpkin butter or pear butter for a delightful twist.
Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
Make the bars a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, it is best to enjoy them chilled, but you may let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A square slice of dessert shows three clear layers on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, rough in texture. Above it is a thick, smooth, and creamy white layer with slight air bubbles, making it look soft and fluffy. The top layer is a thin, uneven spread of dark brown sauce that drips down slightly onto the white layer. The slice sits on a white plate next to a silver fork, and a woman's hand holds the plate from below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or milk instead of heavy cream?

Using low-fat cream cheese or milk may affect the texture and richness. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream to maintain the creamy and fluffy consistency.

How do I prevent the apple butter from sinking to the bottom?

Swirling the apple butter gently into the top layer of the filling right before refrigerating helps keep it near the surface and creates an attractive marbled effect without sinking.