Description
Indulgent apple butter cheesecake marries creamy richness with seasonal spice. Warm cinnamon notes and silky texture invite you to savor each delectable slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup apple butter
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 57 grams) melted butter
Spice and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking.
- Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter, firmly pressing the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form a solid foundation.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a velvety smooth consistency, then gently incorporate vanilla extract.
- Gradually introduce eggs into the mixture, blending on low speed after each addition to maintain a delicate texture.
- Fold apple butter, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cream cheese base, ensuring even distribution of spices and creating a marbled appearance.
- Carefully transfer the batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly to eliminate air pockets.
- Position the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a slightly firm center and minimal surface cracking.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire cooling rack at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours to set and enhance flavor development, preferably overnight for optimal texture.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Add a pinch of salt to the crust to enhance the buttery graham cracker flavor and balance sweetness.
- Prevent cracks by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter.
- Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water seepage if using a water bath for smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 328 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 195 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg