Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist, look no further than these Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and sweet butterscotch topping, this irresistible treat checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and crowd-pleasing appeal. These bars are a sensational choice for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars

The combination of velvety cheesecake and the deep, caramel notes of butterscotch atop a crisp graham cracker crust makes these bars a unique dessert standout. The recipe delivers both sophistication and nostalgia; it evokes memories of classic cheesecake and butterscotch pudding, but in a convenient, hand-held bar you can serve at a moment’s notice.

Making the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

For a sturdy, flavorful base, the graham cracker crust is just right—not too sweet, with just the right amount of crunch to complement the creamy cheesecake center. Simply pulse graham crackers with melted butter and a hint of sugar, then press the mixture firmly into the baking pan. Bake briefly to lock in the flavor and set up the perfect foundation for the layers to come.

Preparing a Smooth and Creamy Cheesecake Layer

The cheesecake filling is delightfully simple: blend softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until luxuriously smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust to create that classic, tangy richness that only cheesecake can deliver.

The Irresistible Butterscotch Topping

Butterscotch chips, gently melted with a splash of cream, create a glossy, rich topping that’s poured over the baked and cooled cheesecake layer. This final flourish adds warmth, sweetness, and an eye-catching finish to every bite.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Wow-Factor

Cut these bars into tidy squares and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a gourmet touch. Serve them cold for the firmest texture or let them warm slightly at room temperature for ultra-creamy indulgence—a perfect dessert for picnics, parties, or special family dinners.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 16 decadent bars. Each serving typically contains approximately 230–260 calories (depending on toppings and portion size). It’s rich enough to satisfy a craving, so a little goes a long way!

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars (Recap)

With their crisp crust, luscious cheesecake, and butterscotch finish, these bars are destined to become a go-to treat. They strike the perfect balance between ease and elegance—making them ideal when you want to treat friends and family to something special, fast.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a sorted and organized shopping list. CookifyAI helps streamline your ingredient shopping by grouping everything by store section for stress-free meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a flat, even crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling onto the baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are just lightly golden.
5. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
6. In a heatproof bowl, combine butterscotch chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
7. Pour the butterscotch topping over the chilled cheesecake layer, spreading evenly. Return to the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
8. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and garnish with sea salt flakes or caramel drizzle, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Weekly Meal Planning

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars aren’t just a great dessert — they’re perfectly suited to make in advance for the week’s gatherings or as a packed-lunch treat. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to efficiently plan desserts for the week, automatically consolidate ingredients with your other planned meals, and create a smart shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

• Effortlessly calculates total ingredient needs across all recipes for the week
• Organizes your shopping by grocery store section
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Keeps weekly meal prep streamlined and efficient

Pro tip: When mapping out your week, schedule your recipes—CookifyAI will combine ingredients (like eggs or cream cheese) so you buy only what’s needed, reducing food waste and making meal planning stress-free.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2.5–3 hours (to set)
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes