Description
Creamy apple butter cheesecake combines classic dessert comfort with autumnal spice. Rich graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling invite you to savor seasonal warmth in each delightful slice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 – 12 graham crackers)
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 325°F. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until velvety and smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar, beating until fully integrated and creamy.
- Introduce eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and apple butter until the mixture is uniform and silky.
- Gently transfer the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Combine remaining apple butter with ground cinnamon. Dollop spoonfuls across the surface, then create elegant swirls using a knife, pulling through the batter to create marbled patterns.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but maintains a subtle wobble when gently nudged.
- Switch off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to rest for one hour, preventing sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking.
- Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, optionally garnish with whipped cream, drizzled caramel, and chopped nuts.
Notes
- Choose room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling and even mixing.
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs to prevent air bubbles and potential cracking during baking.
- Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method, which helps create a creamy texture.
- For gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to maintain a similar crust texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg