Irresistible butterscotch graham cracker bars have become my go-to for impressing guests with minimal effort. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of melted butterscotch and sweet graham crackers filled my kitchen, and my friends couldn’t get enough. These bars are so incredibly easy to whip up, making them the perfect solution for a last-minute sweet craving or a potluck contribution. The combination of a crunchy, buttery crust and a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling topped with gooey butterscotch is pure magic. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Cracker Recipe
There are so many reasons this recipe is a winner:
- It’s incredibly simple to make, perfect for beginners.
- The sweet and salty combination is absolutely delicious.
- You get that satisfying crunch from the graham cracker crust.
- These are hands-down some of the best butterscotch graham cracker bars you’ll ever taste.
- The creamy cheesecake filling is wonderfully smooth.
- The butterscotch drizzle adds a beautiful golden finish and extra flavor.
- Making homemade butterscotch graham crackers has never been easier!
- They are a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients for Delicious Butterscotch Graham Cracker Squares
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your delightful butterscotch graham cracker squares. This recipe is a fantastic way to make a memorable dessert, and the base for this is a classic butterscotch graham cracker crust recipe.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers) – these form the perfect buttery base.
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the crumbs together for a sturdy crust.
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened – make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cheesecake filling beautifully.
- 2 large eggs – they help set the cheesecake and give it a rich texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors, especially the butterscotch.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips – the star of the show, providing that signature sweet flavor.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – makes the butterscotch drizzle silky smooth and luscious.
How to Make Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Crackers
Whipping up these delicious bars is a breeze, and I promise they live up to their name. This simple butterscotch graham cracker recipe is perfect for any day of the week.
- Step 1: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a nice overhang on the sides. This makes lifting your finished bars out so much easier.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Give it a good stir until all the crumbs are moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This creates the fantastic graham cracker crust for your bars.
- Step 3: Now for the creamy filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until you have a perfectly smooth and creamy mixture. No lumps allowed!
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This is the base for your irresistible cheesecake filling.
- Step 5: Gently pour this luscious cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Step 6: Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and the center is just slightly jiggly. It’s like magic happening in your oven!
- Step 7: While your cheesecake bakes, let’s get that wonderful butterscotch topping ready. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and heavy cream. Microwave these in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the butterscotch is completely melted and wonderfully smooth. It smells amazing!
- Step 8: Once the cheesecake is baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up just a bit more.
- Step 9: Drizzle that silky smooth butterscotch topping all over the top of the cheesecake bars. Make sure to get good coverage for maximum deliciousness in every bite of these butterscotch graham cracker cookies.
- Step 10: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm. This chilling time is crucial for getting those clean, perfect slices of your butterscotch graham cracker cookies.
Pro Tips for the Best Butterscotch Graham Cracker Treats
I’ve found a few tricks that really elevate these bars and ensure you get the most delicious results every time. Here are my top tips for making truly unforgettable chewy butterscotch graham cracker treats:
- Always use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest filling. Low-fat versions can make the cheesecake watery.
- Don’t overmix the cream cheese mixture once the eggs are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
- Letting the bars chill completely is essential. It firms everything up and makes them much easier to cut into neat squares.
What’s the secret to perfect butterscotch graham cracker bars?
The magic truly lies in the balance of textures and flavors. For that perfect bite, ensure your graham cracker crust is well-pressed and your butterscotch topping is smooth and evenly drizzled. This combination is precisely why butterscotch graham crackers are so beloved! For more dessert inspiration, check out our latest recipes.
Can I make homemade butterscotch graham crackers ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the entire batch of bars up to 24 hours in advance. Once cooled and chilled, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They are even better the next day!
How do I avoid common mistakes with butterscotch graham cracker dessert?
The most common pitfalls are using un-softened cream cheese, which leads to lumps, or overbaking the cheesecake, which can cause it to dry out. Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature and watch for those slightly jiggly centers when baking. Understanding the science behind baking can help prevent these issues; for instance, learning about the role of eggs in baking can be very insightful.
Best Ways to Serve Easy Butterscotch Graham Cracker Dessert
These delightful bars are versatile enough for any occasion. For a casual get-together, I love serving them chilled, cut into neat squares, alongside a fresh cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They make a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up when you need a little sweet boost – a truly perfect sweet butterscotch graham cracker snack. For a more elegant dessert, you could serve a warm square with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the contrast of warm and cold, plus the melty butterscotch, is divine. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, which cut through the sweetness with a touch of tartness. If you’re looking for other crowd-pleasing desserts, consider our crab omelet or perhaps some cauliflower wings.
Nutrition Facts for Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Cracker Bars
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each delicious serving of these delightful bars. Knowing the nutritional details helps you enjoy them even more!
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cookies
Once your delicious butterscotch graham cracker cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them to keep them tasting their best. I usually let them sit in the pan for an hour or two after chilling, then lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator; this also helps maintain their structure, much like how a chilled butterscotch graham cracker pie filling stays firm.
For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer them slightly warm, you can gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Crackers
How to make butterscotch graham crackers?
Making these delightful bars is quite straightforward! You start by creating a simple crust from graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, pressing it into a pan. Then, you prepare a creamy cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this over the crust and bake until set. The final touch is a luscious butterscotch drizzle made from melted butterscotch chips and cream, poured over the warm cheesecake. For more easy dessert ideas, consider our ginataang recipes.
What are butterscotch graham crackers?
Butterscotch graham crackers, in this context, refer to a dessert where the classic flavors of butterscotch and graham crackers are combined, often in a bar or cookie form. These bars feature a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet butterscotch topping, creating a delicious symphony of textures and tastes that many find incredibly satisfying.
Can I use a different type of cracker for the crust?
While graham crackers provide that classic, slightly sweet flavor that pairs so well with butterscotch, you can certainly experiment! Shortbread cookies or even vanilla wafers can be crushed and used as a substitute. Just ensure you use a similar amount and follow the same ratio of crumbs to melted butter for your graham cracker butterscotch bake base.
My cheesecake cracked, what went wrong?
A cracked cheesecake usually happens when the filling is overbaked or when there’s a drastic temperature change. To avoid this, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter, don’t overmix after adding eggs, and bake until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Cooling it gradually in the oven with the door ajar can also help prevent cracks. For more baking tips, you might find resources on cream cheese properties helpful.
Variations of Butterscotch Graham Cracker Bars You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up or have specific dietary needs, these bars are wonderfully adaptable! For those who prefer a quicker treat or want to avoid the oven, a butterscotch graham cracker no bake recipe is a fantastic alternative. Simply press your graham cracker crust into the pan, prepare a no-bake cheesecake filling (often using condensed milk and cream cheese), top with butterscotch, and chill until firm. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can experiment with a dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter for the crust. For a deeper flavor profile in your graham cracker butterscotch bake, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crust or a swirl of caramel into the butterscotch topping. You can also experiment with different nuts, like chopped pecans, mixed into the crust for added texture and flavor! If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, you might also like our arroz caldo recipe.
Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Crackers: 10 Tips
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible Butterscotch Graham Cracker Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious butterscotch drizzle. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers)
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust for your butterscotch graham cracker bars.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This forms the cheesecake filling for your irresistible butterscotch graham cracker dessert.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the butterscotch topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butterscotch chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the butterscotch is melted and smooth.
- Once the cheesecake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the melted butterscotch over the top of the cheesecake bars.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm, before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Chill thoroughly before cutting for clean slices of your butterscotch graham cracker treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
