Description
This Apple Butter Cheesecake is a creamy, spiced dessert perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. It features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, rich cream cheese filling infused with apple butter and warm spices, making it a comforting and festive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Toppings (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Extra apple butter for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and continue to beat until fully incorporated and creamy. Add the apple butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and pinch of salt, mixing well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition to prevent overbeating.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Once baking is complete, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake: After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top each slice with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra apple butter for added flavor and decoration.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought apple butter; both work well in this recipe.
- For a sturdier crust that holds together better, consider adding one tablespoon of flour to the graham cracker mixture before baking.
- Cheesecake slices better once fully chilled, so allow sufficient refrigeration time.