These Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars are sweet and creamy, with swirls of homemade spiced apple butter in every bite. Infused with cozy autumn flavors, they’re the perfect sweet treat for special occasions or any gathering.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love These Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars
• 🛒 Ingredients Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars
• 🔪 How to Make Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars
• 💡 Tips for Making Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
• How Do I Know When My Cheesecake Bars Are Done?
• Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
• Can I Double This Recipe?
• What Should I Do If My Crust is Too Crumbly?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Dessert Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love These Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars

• Deliciously smooth and creamy
• Classic cheesecake flavor with apple butter swirl
• Gluten-free graham cracker crust
• Perfect for special occasions

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat, you’ve come to the right place. These Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars have a rich, velvety texture with homemade apple butter swirls. The crust is made with gluten-free graham crackers and has a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet cheesecake filling.

These cheesecake bars are one of those types of treats that look fancy but are secretly easy to make…ideal for the holidays or special occasions. What makes these bars even better? They’ve got a bit of a healthier twist compared to your typical cheesecake bars, so you can indulge without feeling guilty.

If you love the sweet and tangy flavors of cheesecake, you should also check out my recipe for Pecan Pie Cheesecake!

🛒 Ingredients Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
• Super fine almond flour
• Butter
• Apple pie spice
• Cream cheese
• Allulose
• Apple Butter
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• 8 x 8 Casserole baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Butter knife

🔪 How to Make Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars

To Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Add the gluten-free graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until they become course crumbs.

Add in the almond flour and apple pie spice, then continue to pulse. Add in the melted butter and pulse just until it resembles wet sand.

Remove from the food processor and press out into an 8 x 8” casserole baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.

To Make the Cheesecake Filling

Add the cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and fluff up using a hand mixer.

Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing in between each egg.

Add in the allulose, sour cream, vanilla and salt, then continue mixing just until combined.

Scoop out ⅓ cup of the batter, then mix in the apple butter and set it aside.

Pour all but ½ cup of the batter over the slightly cooled crust.  Spread in an even layer.

Dollop half of the apple butter mixture over the cheesecake filling.

Using a knife, gently swirl the mixture through the batter.

Dollop the remaining ½ cup of cheesecake batter and apple butter mixture over the top, alternating and repeat swirling the batter.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheesecake has set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. 

Allow it to come to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours.  Cut into squares and serve.

💡 Tips for Making Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars

• If you'd rather skip the steps to swirl the apple butter into the batter, you can mix all of it in the cheesecake batter from the start.  It will still taste amazing!

• Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling and get that super smooth texture.

• When swirling the apple butter, use a butter knife to gently create pretty patterns without over-mixing it. You want to be able to see the swirl pattern throughout the filling.

• Don’t rush the cooling process. Let the bars chill completely in the fridge, which helps them set perfectly and makes slicing a breeze.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store the Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Crackers: If you're not following a gluten-free diet, you can use regular graham cracker crumbs.

• Apple butter: We used homemade apple butter but you can swap it out for other fruit butters, like pumpkin or pear, for a different flavor twist.

• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crust for an extra crunch.

• Chocolate chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise.

• Topping: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream, homemade caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch before serving.

Can I Use a Different Sweetener?

Yes, you can use other sweeteners, but keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary. Granulated erythritol or monk fruit sweetener are other alternatives.

How Do I Know When My Cheesecake Bars Are Done?

The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?

For this recipe, I do not recommend using low-fat cream cheese. You want the filling to be thick enough to hold its shape when sliced and low-fat can cause it to be too loose.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take longer to set.

What Should I Do If My Crust is Too Crumbly?

If the crust is too crumbly, try adding a bit more melted butter to help it hold together. Press it firmly into the pan to compact it.

🍽️ More Delicious Dessert Recipes

• Baked Ricotta Raspberry Pudding
• Gluten-free Apple Cake
• Homemade Applesauce
• Honey Orange Roasted Figs
• Sugar-free raw Chocolate Brownie Bites
• Healthy Date, Walnut and Seed Truffles