Butterscotch Bliss: Creamy Cheesecake Bars with a Chewy Graham Cracker Crust
Imagine a dessert that blends the chewy richness of butterscotch chips with the smooth, tangy goodness of a cheesecake filling. The result is a treat that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a delightful contrast of textures. These Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars are the perfect marriage of flavors, with a buttery graham cracker crust that is studded with butterscotch chips, and topped off with a creamy cheesecake filling. It’s a simple recipe that far exceeds expectations, making it a go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for something sweet. The recipe is easy to prepare but delivers a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this is one dessert that everyone can enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Butterscotch Chips: These are the star of the show. The rich, buttery flavor of butterscotch adds a warm sweetness to both the crust and topping. As they melt, they provide a smooth, glossy texture that binds the crust together.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is the base for the crust, helping to bind the graham cracker crumbs and butterscotch chips into a firm but chewy layer.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: The graham cracker crumbs form the foundation of the crust, offering a slightly crisp, yet tender texture. This crunch contrasts perfectly with the smooth cheesecake layer.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling is the heart of these bars. Its tangy flavor provides a perfect balance to the sweet butterscotch, and its creamy texture forms the smooth, velvety center of the bars.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds a rich, sugary sweetness to the cheesecake filling. It helps to make the filling smooth and luscious.
- Egg: The egg is necessary for binding the filling together and giving it structure. It helps set the cheesecake filling when baked.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor of both the crust and filling, complementing the butterscotch and cream cheese.
- Salt: A small amount of salt in the filling helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This step ensures that the bars won’t stick to the pan and makes removing them after baking much simpler.
- Make the Butterscotch Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium saucepan, add the butterscotch chips and unsalted butter. Heat over medium to medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be patient during this step, as it may take several minutes for the chips to melt completely. Once melted, add the graham cracker crumbs and stir to combine. Remove about 1 heaping cup of the mixture and set it aside in a small bowl. This reserved mixture will be used to top the cheesecake bars later.
- Press the Crust Into the Pan: Transfer the remaining butterscotch graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer, forming the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to make sure it’s packed tightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until the mixture is well combined. Don’t worry if you see a few small blobs of cream cheese that don’t incorporate right away—just continue mixing for another minute or two, and they will break down.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved butterscotch graham cracker mixture evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 32 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set. The bars should be slightly jiggly in the center, but the top should feel firm to the touch. Start checking at around 25 to 30 minutes, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If it takes a bit longer, don’t worry—just be sure not to overbake.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about an hour at room temperature. Once they’ve cooled, cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up. This chilling time is crucial to ensuring that the bars hold their shape and are easy to slice.
- Serve: Once the bars are fully chilled, remove them from the fridge and slice them into squares. Serve them as-is, or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free crumb like crushed gluten-free cookies. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- Add Some Nuts: If you enjoy a little crunch in your dessert, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust or sprinkling them on top of the cheesecake filling before baking.
- Make It Dairy-Free: To make these bars dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives. Look for non-dairy cream cheese and vegan butter options, and replace the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.
- Customize the Flavor: While butterscotch is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors. Try using chocolate chips instead of butterscotch chips for a more traditional chocolate cheesecake bar. You could also add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker crust for an extra layer of warmth.