If you’re in the mood for a dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a rich butterscotch flavor, then these Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars are exactly what you need. These bars have all the best qualities of a classic cheesecake, but in an easy-to-make, handheld form. With the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, they’re ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a sweet treat to enjoy on your own.

The graham cracker crust adds a perfect crunch that complements the creamy cheesecake filling, while the butterscotch topping brings a rich, buttery sweetness that ties everything together. These bars are easy to cut into small portions, making them ideal for sharing or serving at a party. Plus, they come together in no time, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular. With the combination of flavor and texture, these Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars will quickly become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With only a few simple ingredients, these cheesecake bars come together quickly, making them an easy dessert for any occasion.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweetness

The creamy cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and decadent butterscotch topping create a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.

3. Handheld and Portable

These bars are perfect for parties, picnics, or potlucks because they’re easy to cut into individual servings and don’t require plates or utensils.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prepare these cheesecake bars a day or two in advance, letting them chill in the fridge so they’re ready when you need them.

5. Versatile Topping Options

While the butterscotch topping is a delicious choice, you can also experiment with other toppings like caramel, chocolate ganache, or even fresh fruit.

Ingredients

Graham crackers, crushed
Unsalted butter, melted
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream
Butterscotch chips
Heavy cream

Variations

Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Swap the butterscotch chips for caramel chips for a rich caramel flavor.
Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Drizzle chocolate ganache over the top or fold in mini chocolate chips for a chocolate twist.
Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Fruit Topping: Top the bars with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving a slight overhang to make it easy to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.

Step 4: Pour the Cheesecake Filling

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. The bars should still have a slight jiggle in the center when done. Remove from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Make the Butterscotch Topping

In a small saucepan, heat the butterscotch chips and heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 7: Top the Cheesecake Bars

Once the cheesecake bars have chilled and set, pour the butterscotch topping over the bars and spread it evenly. Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set the topping.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking; the center should still be slightly wobbly when you remove them from the oven. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
Chill for the Best Texture: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill thoroughly in the fridge to set the filling and topping properly.
Even Layering: When spreading the graham cracker crust or the cheesecake mixture, aim for an even layer to ensure uniform texture and flavor throughout.

How to Serve

Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra butterscotch sauce for an indulgent treat. For a fun twist, pair them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate during the colder months, or serve them with a refreshing glass of iced tea for a lighter option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The bars get even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

These cheesecake bars freeze well for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a soft, chilled treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes! You can use an Oreo crust, shortbread cookies, or even a nut-based crust for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use homemade butterscotch sauce instead of chips?

Absolutely! Homemade butterscotch sauce can be used in place of butterscotch chips for a more authentic flavor.

3. Can I make these bars without sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or heavy cream for a similar creamy texture.

4. How can I tell when the cheesecake bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges are golden, and the center is just slightly set. It should still have a little jiggle when you tap the pan.

5. Can I make these in a different size pan?

Yes! You can use a 9×13-inch pan, but the bars will be thinner, so adjust the baking time accordingly. They will bake faster in a larger pan.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling?

Yes, feel free to add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for extra sweetness and texture.

7. Can I make this without the butterscotch topping?

Yes, you can enjoy these cheesecake bars without the butterscotch topping, or swap it out for caramel, chocolate, or fruit toppings.

8. How long do I need to chill the bars before cutting them?

For the best texture and ease of cutting, chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible.

9. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie alternative.

10. Can I serve these bars at room temperature?

These cheesecake bars are best served chilled, but you can allow them to sit at room temperature for a short period if you prefer a softer texture.

Conclusion

These Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. With a rich cheesecake filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a decadent butterscotch topping, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a special treat, these bars offer a delightful, handheld twist on a classic cheesecake. They’re simple to make, easy to store, and even more enjoyable to eat—give them a try, and they’ll quickly become a go-to dessert!