Pin it
Butterscotch fanatics will go crazy for this velvety cheesecake that turns their favorite candy flavor into a luscious treat. Each bite showcases multiple layers of buttery caramel goodness, starting from the sweetened graham base to the smooth center and finishing with the shiny topping.
I tried this recipe many different ways before landing on this version that's now my signature sweet. Even my mother-in-law who always says she "doesn't care for desserts" asked for this specifically when her birthday came around.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Cream Cheese: Use the full-fat kind at room temp for the creamiest results
- Butterscotch Chips: Don't skimp here - good quality ones make all the difference
- Graham Crackers: Crush them yourself for a softer, better crust
- Sour Cream: Gives a nice zip that cuts through the sweetness
- Heavy Cream: The extra fat makes your topping turn out just right
- Brown Sugar: Adds those deep caramel notes to both the base and filling
Crafting Your Dreamy Dessert
- Making The Base:
- First, turn your graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix them with melted butter and brown sugar until everything looks like damp sand. Push the mixture firmly into your pan with a flat measuring cup, starting in the middle and working up the sides.
- Whipping Up The Filling:
- Make sure your cream cheese sits out until completely soft. Beat it until there's not a lump in sight before you add anything else. Add each ingredient slowly and scrape the bowl often. Let the butterscotch-cream mix cool totally before adding it or you'll end up with lumps.
- Setting Up The Water Bath:
- Wrap your springform pan twice with heavy-duty foil, checking there aren't any openings for water to get in. Set it in a bigger pan and pour warm water halfway up the sides.
- Watching The Heat:
- Keep your oven steady throughout baking. The middle should still wiggle slightly when you take it out - it'll firm up as it cools. Follow the cooling steps exactly to avoid cracks.
- Adding The Topping:
- Pour your topping when it's just the right warmth - too hot and it'll run everywhere, too cool and it won't spread nicely.
Pin it
My little trick is adding just a pinch of sea salt to the topping, which brings out the butterscotch taste even more and keeps it from being too sweet.
Great Serving Ideas
Take this fancy cheesecake to the next level by thinking about what to serve with it. Try pouring some warm salted caramel sauce over each piece, heated just enough so it flows nicely. Serve some fresh whipped cream on the side with just a touch of vanilla and beaten until soft and fluffy, which balances the rich, dense cake. Coffee fans will love it paired with a shot of espresso or butterscotch-flavored coffee, as the warm, slightly bitter drink cuts through the sweetness and makes the caramel notes pop.
Tasty Twists
Switch things up while keeping the rich character intact. Try making a swirled version by mixing dark chocolate topping into the filling before you bake it. Go for a turtle-style cake by adding toasted pecans to the crust and finishing with both butterscotch and chocolate drizzles on top. In autumn, put some warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in the crust. For big celebrations, try putting an extra layer of butterscotch cream between the cake and topping.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your cheesecake tasting amazing by storing it right. Let it cool all the way at room temp, then put it in the fridge uncovered for an hour to stop moisture from forming. Then wrap it carefully in plastic wrap with no air bubbles. If you want to freeze it, wait until it's totally cool (don't add the topping yet), put it on a cardboard circle, wrap in plastic then in heavy foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add fresh topping before serving.
Planning Ahead
Split up the work for this showstopper over a few days. Make the crust up to two days early and wrap it well once it's cool. Mix the filling a day before you plan to bake, keep it covered in the fridge, then bring it back to room temp and give it a quick whisk before pouring it in. You can get all your topping ingredients ready ahead of time, but wait to heat and mix them until right before serving so it looks its best.
Pin it
This Ultimate Butterscotch Cheesecake stands out as the king of fancy desserts. The perfect mix of butterscotch elements from chips to pudding to topping creates a wonderful blend of caramel flavors in every mouthful. Serve it at a fancy dinner party or as the star of a family get-together, and watch as everyone falls silent except for the happy sounds of spoons against plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make it less spicy?
- Sure, just use fewer scotch bonnet pieces or swap them for a milder pepper type.
- → What other meats work besides pork sausage?
- Try hot dogs, beef kielbasa, or smoked sausage as good options.
- → Why should I save some pasta water?
- The starchy water helps make your sauce smooth and lets you fix the thickness.
- → What do people usually put on top?
- Folks often add avocado slices, boiled eggs, and fresh parsley as toppings.
- → How hot is this meal?
- With scotch bonnet and spicy sausage, it's pretty fiery, but you can tone it down if you want.