Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe
This Apple Butter Cheesecake is a creamy, luscious dessert combining a spiced graham cracker crust with a smooth cream cheese filling swirled with sweet apple butter. It’s a perfect treat for autumn or any time you crave a rich, fruity twist on classic cheesecake.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 2 cups (204 g) graham cracker crumbs (12–13 full sheets, crushed)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 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
- Prepare Pan: Spray an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake after chilling.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon. Mix in melted butter thoroughly, coating every crumb to hold them together well.
- Form Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared springform pan. Use your hand or the bottom of a kitchen glass to compact it evenly, then refrigerate to chill while making the filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth. A hand mixer or stand mixer works well for this step.
- Incorporate Cream and Lemon Juice: Add heavy cream and fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture, beating for 1-2 minutes until the filling becomes light and fluffy.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, smoothing out the top evenly.
- Swirl in Apple Butter: Add large dollops of apple butter on top of the filling. Using a knife or offset spatula, gently swirl the apple butter into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to disturb the crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until the filling is firm and completely chilled before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- For the best texture, chill the crust before adding the filling to help it set properly.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
- This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness of the apple butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: apple butter cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, apple dessert, fall dessert, creamy cheesecake