Irresistible Butterscotch Cheesecake: A Rich and Creamy Dessert You’ll Love

Ella
Ella
Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by...
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Rich, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent, butterscotch cheesecake is the ultimate dessert that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. With its smooth caramel notes and buttery finish, this decadent treat offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Ready to discover what makes this cheesecake so unforgettable? Let’s dive in!

This cozy dessert recipe marries American cheesecake with nostalgic butterscotch charm.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours including chilling
Serving Size: 1 slice

Description

Butterscotch cheesecake is a rich, golden celebration of creamy indulgence and nostalgic flavor. With its silky smooth filling swirled with deep, buttery butterscotch and nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust, each slice delivers a warm sigh of comfort. Imagine the aroma of caramelized sugar wafting through your kitchen as this beauty bakes to perfection, the scent deep and sweet like freshly spun maple candy or warm toffee melting on your tongue.

This is the kind of dessert that turns everyday gatherings into something memorable. It feels like a dessert from childhood dreams but elevated with the elegance of a classic New York-style cheesecake. One bite is enough to take you on a journey—the smooth cheesecake tang meets the velvety richness of homemade butterscotch, balanced by a slight crunch in the base and a cloud of whipped cream if you choose to crown it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This butterscotch cheesecake recipe is both luxurious and surprisingly simple. It offers the balance of sweet and tangy, creamy and crunchy, making it a showstopping dessert that does not require difficult techniques. You can make this cheesecake a day in advance, letting the flavors meld together overnight for an even richer taste.

Whether you are serving it at a special dinner party or offering it as a sweet surprise during the holidays, this dessert brings both nostalgia and sophistication with every forkful. Plus, it is easily adaptable—you can top it with extra butterscotch drizzle, crushed nuts, or nothing at all for a beautifully minimalist finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

To serve, slice with a knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean edges. This cheesecake is best served chilled and goes wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of sea salt.

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving. If prepping ahead for an event, make it a day or two in advance and let the flavors fully develop in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 24 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Heavy-bottom saucepan

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks. A tight wrap up the sides is key here since we’ll be baking this cheesecake in a water bath.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until it resembles wet sand, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. A flat-bottomed glass works well here. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and brown sugar until completely smooth. This may take about 2 to 3 minutes. Scraping down the sides often helps ensure a silky texture with no lumps.
  4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating on low after each addition. This helps incorporate them gently and reduces the risk of overmixing which can cause cracking.
  5. Step 5: Add vanilla and sour cream. Mix on low speed until just blended. Then sprinkle in the flour and pour in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth but not whipped.
  6. Step 6: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butterscotch chips gently. Stir constantly and remove from heat once smooth. Let cool slightly—you want it pourable but not hot.
  7. Step 7: Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust. Dollop the melted butterscotch over the surface and swirl gently using a skewer or knife. Do not over-swirl or it will blend instead of marbling.
  8. Step 8: Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the outer pan to create a water bath, about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
  9. Step 9: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the center is set but still has a slight wobble. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to rest inside for 1 hour. This helps prevent the top from cracking due to sudden temperature changes.
  10. Step 10: Remove from the water bath, place on a cooling rack, and let cool completely. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling time allows it to firm up and the flavors to really settle into something special.

Nutrition per serving

Calories 420
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fat 30g
Sugar 24g
Fiber 1g
Sodium 260mg

Recipe Notes

For best texture, always bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing. If you want to take it a step further, make your own butterscotch from scratch using brown sugar, butter, and cream for a deeply caramelized flavor.

FAQ

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, and it is actually best if made a day in advance. The flavors intensify as it chills and the texture becomes even creamier after resting overnight in the fridge.

What is the best way to swirl the butterscotch?

I like to drop spoonfuls of the melted butterscotch across the top of the batter, then use the tip of a butter knife to swirl gently in a figure-eight motion. Do not overdo it or you will lose the beautiful marble effect.

Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can, I do not recommend it for the creamiest, richest texture. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best structure and flavor, especially in a baked cheesecake.

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Butterscotch Cheesecake

Butterscotch cheesecake is a rich, golden celebration of creamy indulgence and nostalgic flavor. Silky smooth filling swirled with deep, buttery butterscotch and nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect showstopping dessert, both nostalgic and sophisticated with every forkful.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 24 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with brown sugar until creamy and smooth, scraping the sides often.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
  • Add flour and heavy cream, mixing just until smooth. Do not overmix.
  • In a small saucepan, melt butterscotch chips over low heat until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  • Pour cheesecake filling into the crust. Spoon melted butterscotch on top and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
  • Place pan inside a larger dish. Pour hot water into the outer dish to create a water bath.
  • Bake 50–55 minutes or until center is just set and slightly wobbly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool gradually for one hour.
  • Remove from water bath and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before removing from the pan and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSodium: 260mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24g
Keyword butterscotch, cheesecake, baked cheesecake, holiday dessert, make ahead dessert
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Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by home, travel, and the joy of simple ingredients. From cozy comfort food to bold global flavors, YummyHorizon is your place to explore, taste, and create. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, I'm here to guide you through flavorful journeys- one delicious recipe at a time. Welcome to my kitchen, where every meal opens a new horizon.