No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe

The Creamiest No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe Ever

My kitchen adventure with no-bake apple butter cheesecake started as a delightful experiment one crisp autumn afternoon.

Sweet memories of grandma’s orchard danced through my mind while mixing creamy ingredients.

Smooth cream cheese blended perfectly with rich, spiced apple butter.

Chilled desserts always spark joy in our home, especially when they require minimal effort.

Seasonal ingredients can create magic without complicated techniques or endless steps.

Crumbly graham crackers and silky filling promise a delectable treat that will surprise everyone at the table.

I bet you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Apple Butter Cheesecake (No-Bake) Reheat And Storage Info

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Place a paper towel between the cheesecake and the container lid to absorb excess moisture and maintain the crust's crispness.
  • Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

Perfect Matches for Apple Butter Cheesecake

  • Elevate Autumn Beverage Pairing: Sip warm spiced apple cider alongside this creamy cheesecake, complementing the dessert's rich apple butter flavor profile with its cozy seasonal notes.
  • Create Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a late harvest Riesling with its subtle sweetness and crisp acidity, perfectly balancing the cheesecake's smooth texture and apple undertones.
  • Enhance Serving Style: Top with candied pecans or caramel drizzle to add delightful crunch and extra depth, transforming the no-bake dessert into a more complex taste experience.
  • Match Flavor-Boosting Accompaniment: Brew a chai tea with warm cinnamon and cardamom spices that mirror the apple butter's aromatic qualities, creating a harmonious dessert-drink combination.

No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake Twists

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and substitute apple butter with a plant-based alternative made from pureed apples and maple syrup.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, and select a reduced-sugar apple butter to decrease overall sugar content.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Utilize dairy-free cream cheese made from coconut or almond milk, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a lactose-free cheesecake experience.

FAQs

  • What are graham crackers?

Graham crackers are sweet, whole wheat crackers originally created by Sylvester Graham in the 1820s. They’re commonly used as a base for cheesecake crusts, providing a crunchy and slightly sweet foundation for desserts.

  • Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

While a springform pan is ideal for easy removal, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. Just be extra careful when removing the cheesecake to prevent breaking the delicate dessert.

  • How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

Whipped cream is ready when it forms stiff peaks. When you lift the beater, the cream should stand up straight without falling over. Be careful not to overbeat, or it will turn into butter.

  • Is apple butter the same as apple sauce?

No, apple butter is much thicker and more concentrated than apple sauce. It’s cooked longer, resulting in a deeper caramelized flavor and smoother, more spreadable consistency. Apple sauce is lighter and more liquid.

No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake That’s Spiced And Creamy

  • Savor Simplicity: No Complicated Techniques Required
  • This recipe eliminates complex baking steps, making it perfect for novice and experienced home cooks who want delicious desserts without extensive kitchen skills.
  • Time-Saving Delight: Quick Assembly
  • Preparation takes mere minutes, with no oven needed and only a few simple ingredients, allowing busy people to create an impressive dessert in under 20 minutes of active cooking time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Universal Appeal
  • The classic combination of apple butter and creamy cheesecake delivers a nostalgic flavor that appeals to multiple generations, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
  • Flexible Make-Ahead Magic: Stress-Free Entertaining
  • Refrigerating overnight means dessert can be prepared in advance, reducing last-minute kitchen stress and giving hosts more time to enjoy their guests while serving a gorgeous, professional-looking dessert.

No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake Mix

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet base with delightful crunch for the cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumbs and creates a firm, solid crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Gives the cheesecake its rich, smooth, and creamy texture.
  • Apple Butter: Adds deep, concentrated apple flavor and natural sweetness to the filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and airy texture, helping the cheesecake set properly.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon: Optional spice that complements the apple butter and adds warm aromatic depth to the cheesecake.

No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake Guide

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Drizzle melted butter over the crumbs and mix until they stick together.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for your creamy cheesecake.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until ultra-smooth and soft.

Swirl in velvety apple butter and powdered sugar, mixing until the ingredients are completely incorporated and create a luscious, silky texture.

Use an electric mixer to ensure no lumps remain and the mixture is perfectly creamy.

Step 3: Fold in Fluffy Whipped Cream

Pour heavy cream into a chilled bowl and whip using an electric mixer until stiff, cloud-like peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling.

Use a spatula and fold carefully to maintain the volume and airiness of the whipped cream.

Step 4: Chill and Set the Cheesecake

Carefully spread the creamy filling over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Place the springform pan in the refrigerator and allow the cheesecake to set and firm up.

Let it chill for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for the best texture and flavor development.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle additional apple butter across the top of the cheesecake.

Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth and flavor.

Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy this decadent no-bake dessert that celebrates the rich, comforting taste of apple butter.

No-Bake Cheesecake Like The Pros Make It

  • Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to firmly pack graham cracker crumbs evenly into the pan, creating a solid, compact crust.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to avoid any unwanted chunks in your cheesecake mixture.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff peaks faster and maintain better structure.
  • Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap to prevent moisture forming on top and let it set undisturbed for the full recommended time.
  • Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the apple butter to add a unique twist to your no-bake dessert.
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No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe

No-Bake Apple Butter Cheesecake Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy no-bake apple butter cheesecake brings autumn’s warmth to your dessert table with rich, spiced flavors. Silky filling nestled on a graham cracker crust promises comfort in each delightful bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Binding/Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spice/Optional Ingredient:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter until fully incorporated, creating a compact base layer.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even, smooth surface.
  3. Whip cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until creamy and soft, eliminating any potential lumps.
  4. Gently fold apple butter into the cream cheese, stirring consistently to achieve a uniform color and texture.
  5. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to create a silky, sweet foundation.
  6. In a separate chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until it develops sturdy, voluminous peaks.
  7. Delicately fold whipped cream into the apple butter cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light, airy consistency.
  8. Pour the combined filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  9. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop rich flavors.
  10. Before serving, drizzle additional apple butter across the surface and sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon for enhanced visual appeal and taste.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends easily.
  • Chill the springform pan before pressing the crust for a firmer, more compact base that holds together perfectly.
  • Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain its airy texture and prevent deflating.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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