Description
This Loaded Butterscotch Cheesecake combines a rich graham cracker crust with a creamy, velvety filling infused with melted butterscotch chips and butterscotch pudding mix for an extra decadent flavor. Topped with a luscious butterscotch ganache and extra chips, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a sweet, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 3/4 cups (235g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (56g) packed light brown sugar
- 7 tbsp (98g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (168g) packed light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (112g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (169g) butterscotch chips
- 3.4 oz package dry Butterscotch pudding mix
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Butterscotch Topping
- 1 cup (169g) butterscotch chips
- 4 1/2 tbsp (68ml) heavy whipping cream
- Additional butterscotch chips, for decorating
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and grease the sides. Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set, then remove and let cool.
- Prepare for Water Bath: Cover the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage from the water bath. Set aside.
- Make the Filling: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). In a large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour on low speed until combined, avoiding air incorporation to reduce cracks. Scrape sides of bowl.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream, blending on low until combined.
- Melt Butterscotch: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat heavy whipping cream and 1 cup butterscotch chips in 15-30 second increments, stirring well between until smooth and melted.
- Combine Butterscotch with Filling: Add the melted butterscotch mixture to the cream cheese filling in two parts, mixing well and scraping the bowl each time.
- Add Pudding Mix: Stir in the dry butterscotch pudding mix until fully incorporated, scraping sides as needed.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition, scraping sides thoroughly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour filling over crust. Place the springform pan in a larger pan and add warm water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, ensuring water does not surpass the foil wrapping.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour and 30-35 minutes. The cheesecake center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
- Initial Cooling: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 30 minutes to cool slowly.
- Cool Further: Crack the oven door open and leave cheesecake inside for another 10 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Final Cooling: Remove cheesecake from oven and set on a wire rack. Once at room temperature, refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight until firm and cold.
- Make Butterscotch Topping: Place butterscotch chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave heavy whipping cream until it begins to boil, pour over chips, let sit 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Apply Topping: Let the ganache cool about 5 minutes until thickened but pourable. Spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake and top with additional butterscotch chips as desired.
- Store and Serve: Refrigerate covered or in a cake carrier. Best enjoyed within 4-5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother filling and even baking.
- Covering the pan with foil and using a water bath helps prevent cracks.
- Cool the cheesecake slowly by leaving it in the oven after baking to help prevent cracks and maintain creamy texture.
- Ensure butterscotch chips are melted fully before adding to filling to avoid lumps.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight before adding topping for best results.
- This cheesecake is rich—serve in small slices for satisfying portions.
- For easier removal, run a knife around the edges before releasing the springform pan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Water Bath
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: butterscotch cheesecake, loaded cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, baked cheesecake, decadent dessert, butterscotch dessert
