Dreamy Velvety Butter Tart Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Decadent desserts reach new heights with this butter tart cheesecake that blends Canadian culinary tradition into a creamy, irresistible treat.

Sweet memories of childhood baking swirl through each luxurious butter tart cheesecake slice.

Layers of rich cream cheese mingle with the classic caramel-like filling that defines beloved tart recipes.

Maple syrup and brown sugar create a luscious depth that transforms an ordinary cheesecake into something extraordinary.

The golden crust provides a perfect crisp foundation for the silky smooth filling.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through textures and flavors that celebrate classic Canadian dessert magic.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that connects generations through its comforting, nostalgic essence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for a Tart-Inspired Cheesecake

• Graham Crumbs: Provides a crisp, buttery foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, luxurious base of the cheesecake with its tangy richness.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set perfectly.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a silky, creamy texture.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake flavor.

• Butter: Builds the classic caramel-like base with deep, nutty undertones.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, molasses-like sweetness characteristic of butter tarts.
• Maple Syrup: Adds complex sweetness and authentic Canadian flavor.
• Eggs: Help thicken the topping and create a glossy consistency.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall warmth of the topping.
• Pecans, Raisins: Optional mix-ins that provide texture and traditional butter tart character.

Tools to Get the Texture Just Right

• Springform Pan: 9-inch size, perfect for creating and releasing cheesecake easily.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and mixing ingredients without lumps.
• Baking Sheet: Helps catch any potential drips and provides stability during baking.
• Saucepan: Needed for preparing the butter tart topping with precise heat control.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending topping ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps spread and smooth cheesecake filling and topping evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Useful for allowing baked crust and cheesecake to cool properly.

Butter Tart Cheesecake in a Few Simple Moves

• Craft the Crunchy Base

Blend graham crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into a springform pan. Bake briefly to set the foundation for your decadent dessert.

• Whip Up Creamy Goodness

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar, then eggs one by one. Fold in sour cream and vanilla for extra richness. Pour mixture over cooled crust.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide cheesecake into the oven and watch it transform. Bake until center is just set with a gentle wobble. Let it rest in the warm oven, then chill thoroughly.

• Create Luscious Butter Tart Topping

Melt butter and combine with brown sugar and maple syrup. Gently incorporate eggs and cook until slightly thickened. Fold in crunchy nuts for extra texture.

• Finish and Celebrate

Drizzle the golden topping over chilled cheesecake. Allow to set completely. Slice and serve this show-stopping dessert that blends Canadian butter tart magic with classic cheesecake comfort.

Flavor Tweaks to Balance Sweet and Rich

• Achieve a silky-smooth butter tart topping by whisking eggs gradually and cooking on low heat, preventing scrambling and ensuring a glossy, rich finish.
• Prevent surface cracks by baking in a water bath, cooling slowly inside the oven with the door cracked, and avoiding sudden temperature changes.
• Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds for a celiac-friendly crust that maintains delicious texture.
• Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or add dried cranberries instead of raisins to personalize the butter tart topping and create unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 3 days in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and makes entertaining stress-free.

Serving Options for a Stunning Dessert Finish

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair this decadent cheesecake with freshly brewed Canadian maple coffee for an authentic flavor experience that celebrates the dessert's roots.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a small drizzle of extra maple syrup to enhance visual appeal and add textural contrast.
• Perfect Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert board by slicing the cheesecake into small bite-sized pieces, surrounded by fresh berries, whipped cream dollops, and candied pecan clusters for a stunning and delicious display that encourages sharing.
• Seasonal Serving Suggestion: During holiday gatherings, serve chilled slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm caramel sauce to complement the rich butter tart flavors and create a memorable dessert experience.

Refrigerate or Slice Ahead for Hosting

• Keep the cheesecake tightly wrapped in plastic film or sealed container for 4-5 days. The cool environment maintains its creamy texture and prevents flavor absorption from other foods.
• Cut clean slices by dipping a sharp knife in hot water between each slice. Wipe blade dry before next cut to ensure perfectly smooth portions without crumbling edges.
• Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Letting it sit at room temperature softens the texture and enhances overall flavor profile, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in double layers of plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator for best taste and texture restoration.

Velvety Butter Tart Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy Canadian butter tart cheesecake blends sweet pastry traditions with indulgent dessert magic. Rich maple-infused filling nestles on a crisp graham cracker base, promising pure comfort with each luxurious bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or corn syrup)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) melted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans (optional)
• ½ cup (80 g) raisins (optional)
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the Base: Warm the oven to 325F (163C). Blend graham cracker fragments with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
2. Prepare Creamy Foundation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar. Gently fold in eggs, maintaining a low-speed technique. Incorporate sour cream, flour, and vanilla, blending until uniform. Distribute mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Culinary Transformation: Position the pan on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes until the center achieves a delicate, trembling consistency. Deactivate the oven, allow slight door separation, and let the cheesecake rest for one hour. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight.
4. Construct Decadent Topping: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until glossy and effervescent. Gradually whisk in beaten eggs and vanilla. Simmer on low heat, continuously stirring until the mixture thickens. Fold in pecans and/or raisins if desired. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Final Embellishment: Cascade the cooled topping over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate for an additional hour. Unmold, slice, and serve this luxurious dessert.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture without cracks.
• Watch the cheesecake closely during baking. The center should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven to maintain a silky, soft consistency.
• Consider using a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan with hot water to create more even heating and prevent surface cracking.
• Swap pecans or raisins with other mix-ins like chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to personalize the butter tart topping according to your preference.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg