Dreamy Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe: A Fall Dessert Sensation

Creamy cheesecake meets fall’s favorite spread in this delectable apple butter cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, velvety layers meld together with warm autumn spices for an irresistible dessert.

The smooth cream cheese base gets a delightful twist with swirls of spiced apple butter throughout.

Seasonal ingredients dance across your palate, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance.

Silky textures and deep caramel notes make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy cheesecake and sweet apple richness.

Apple Butter and Cheesecake: Sweet Harmony

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Embrace the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with this delightful apple butter cheesecake that captures the essence of fall in every creamy bite.
• Craft with Ease: Requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want to impress friends and family with a stunning dessert.
• Wow with Versatility: Adaptable for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, this dessert always steals the show with its rich, spiced profile.
• Indulge in Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cheesecake in advance, giving you stress-free entertainment and more time to enjoy with loved ones while still serving a show-stopping dessert.

Apple Butter Cheesecake Ingredient Guide

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor to complement the apple butter.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds richness.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet essence.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
• Apple Butter: Adds a rich, concentrated apple flavor and creates a beautiful swirl in the cheesecake.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that complement the apple butter and add depth to the flavor profile.

• Whipped Cream, Apples, Caramel: Optional decorative elements that can enhance the presentation and add extra flavor to the cheesecake.

Baking Apple Butter Cheesecake with Success

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Crank up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab a springform pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Melted butter

Mix everything until it resembles wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

Gradually add sugar and continue mixing.

Gently incorporate vanilla extract.

Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Infuse with Apple Goodness

• Apple butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground cloves

Stir until the filling is completely combined and has a beautiful, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious filling over the prepared crust.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

The cheesecake is ready when it’s set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, spread a generous layer of apple butter on top.

Refrigerate for several hours until fully chilled.

Optional: Garnish with whipped cream, thinly sliced apples, and a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.

Tips for Smooth, Rich Cheesecake Texture

• Gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles before baking, which helps create a smooth, crack-free surface on your cheesecake.
• Allow cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free batter that blends perfectly.
• Place a water bath beneath the cheesecake while baking to create a humid environment, preventing the top from drying out and cracking.
• Adjust the apple butter and spice quantities to suit your taste, ensuring the flavors complement the creamy cheesecake without overpowering it.
• Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance to let the flavors meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Apple Butter Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Apple Butter Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Apple Butter Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream, and replace eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Apple Butter Cheesecake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use a sugar-free apple butter to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Apple Butter Cheesecake: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like coconut cream-based cheese and almond milk to create a lactose-free dessert.

Serving Apple Butter Cheesecake with Flair

• Autumn Harvest Plating: Arrange slices on rustic wooden boards with scattered cinnamon sticks and fresh apple wedges for a cozy, farmhouse-inspired presentation.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Zigzag warm caramel sauce over each slice, allowing it to cascade deliciously down the cheesecake's creamy edges for extra indulgence.
• Spiced Whipped Cream Topping: Fold ground cinnamon and nutmeg into fresh whipped cream, creating a fragrant and visually appealing crown for each decadent slice.
• Seasonal Pairing Suggestion: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider or a smooth bourbon to complement the cheesecake's rich, autumnal flavors.

Storing Cheesecake Slices for Later

• Wrap cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
• Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Allow it to slowly defrost, preserving its creamy texture and preventing moisture loss.
• Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent texture breakdown and maintain the cheesecake's delicate structure.

FAQs

• What is apple butter?

Apple butter is a concentrated, caramelized fruit spread made by slowly cooking down apples with sugar and spices until it becomes thick, smooth, and deeply brown with an intense apple flavor.

• Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

You can use a regular cake pan, but a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake much easier without damaging its delicate structure.

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a lower temperature, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy apple butter cheesecake delivers a delightful fusion of autumn spices and silky cream cheese on a crisp graham cracker crust. Seasonal comfort mingles with rich flavors, inviting you to savor each delectable slice of this irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup apple butter
• 3 large eggs

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 325°F, preparing a stable cooking environment for the delicate cheesecake.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a robust, aromatic crust.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency, then gently incorporate vanilla extract.
4. Introduce eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, integrated batter.
5. Fold in apple butter, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a rich, spiced flavor profile throughout the cheesecake mixture.
6. Carefully pour the spiced filling over the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness while maintaining a set texture.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, helping prevent surface cracking.
9. Once cooled, generously spread additional apple butter across the top of the cheesecake for an extra layer of autumn-inspired flavor.
10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set completely.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh whipped cream, thinly sliced apples, and a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Create a vegan adaptation by substituting cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and using egg replacer.
• Prevent cheesecake cracking by placing a water bath underneath during baking and allowing gradual cooling at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg