Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the butterscotch sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- Additional butterscotch sauce (from above)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the butterscotch sauce. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Slowly add the cream while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the sauce to cool.
- Reserve some butterscotch sauce for topping the cheesecake later, and pour the rest over the crust in the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the butterscotch layer in the pan.
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential leaks. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edge to loosen it from the sides of the pan. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once the cheesecake is completely cool, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
- Before serving, drizzle the reserved butterscotch sauce over the top. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious butterscotch cheesecake!
Note: You can customize this recipe by adding other toppings like chocolate chips, caramel, or even a chocolate ganache. Get creative and make it your own!
