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This apple butter cheesecake is super creamy and full of cozy spiced apple flavor. It's great for chilly nights or when you want something comforting with a little fall twist.
I fell for this cheesecake the first time I made it during the holidays. The mix of classic cream cheese tang and fall spices made it an instant family fave.
Needed Ingredients
- Butter (unsalted): melts nicely to hold the crust together, pick a good quality one for better flavor
- Apple butter: adds that spiced apple goodness, homemade or good brand works best
- Graham cracker crumbs: give a sweet crunchy base, fresh crumbs work great
- Granulated sugar: sweetens both crust and filling mildly
- Large eggs: help bind the filling and keep it nice and light, farm-fresh if you can
- Cream cheese: the rich and creamy main ingredient, use room temp for smooth mixing
- Vanilla extract: adds natural sweetness, pure vanilla’s best
- Sour cream: adds tang and silky texture to the filling
- Ground cinnamon: warms the flavor, fresh is better for that strong scent
- Whipped cream: optional topping for some extra fluff and sweetness
Step-By-Step How To
- Make The Crust First
- Set your oven to 325°F. In a bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. Pour in melted butter and stir until it looks like damp sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan evenly. Bake this crust for 10 minutes then let it cool a bit.
- Mix The Filling
- Beat the cream cheese in a big bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. Slowly add sugar while mixing until it's creamy all over. Then add vanilla. Add eggs one by one, mixing well each time and scraping the sides to keep everything blended.
- Add The Rest
- Stir in sour cream until silky smooth. Fold in the apple butter gently so some texture stays. Pour the filling onto the cooled crust and even out the top.
- Make Swirls
- If you want to make it look fancy, add some apple butter on top and swirl it around gently with a knife to create a marble effect.
- Bake It
- Put the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The middle should be firm but still jiggle lightly when you shake the pan. Take it out and cool it on the counter for about an hour.
- Chill
- Pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors blend and sets the texture just right for slicing.
- Serve
- Before eating, add a spoon of whipped cream or drizzle extra apple butter for some extra yum.
I love using apple butter my grandma made herself. It adds a flavor depth you don’t get from store-bought jars. Making this cake always brings back warm memories of baking together in the kitchen.
Best Way To Store
Keep the cheesecake covered tight with plastic wrap or in a sealed container in the fridge to stay fresh. It'll keep moist and tasty for up to five days. If you want to save it longer, wrap it well to avoid freezer burn and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
Switch Up Ingredients
If you want something tangier, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt. For a nutty touch, mix chopped toasted walnuts or pecans into the crust. You can also stir in a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ginger to boost the warm spice vibe.
Tasty Serving Ideas
Enjoy slices with a warm chai tea or spicy apple cider for a cozy combo. A fresh green apple salad with walnuts and light dressing pairs well with the rich cheesecake. Vanilla bean ice cream adds a rich contrast to the spiced flavors.
Every bite of this apple butter cheesecake feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s packed with familiar flavors and rich comfort that always makes people happy and asking for more.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What kind of crust is used here?
The base is a graham cracker crust mixed with cinnamon and melted butter for a buttery, slightly crunchy bite.
- → Can I use my own apple butter?
Definitely. Homemade apple butter adds great flavor, just make sure it’s smooth so it folds easily into the mix.
- → How do I get a creamy, smooth filling?
Bring the cream cheese to room temp and beat it well until fluffy before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- → Why chill it overnight?
Cooling lets the filling set up right and helps the flavors blend so it tastes richer and creamier.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
For sure. A little swirl of apple butter or some whipped cream on top makes it look and taste even better.
- → What temperature do I bake it at?
Bake gently at 325°F to get a creamy filling and avoid overcooking the crust.