Scrumptious Butter Tart Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Canadian Fusion

Sweet memories of Canadian desserts dance through my mind whenever I think about a decadent butter tart cheesecake.

Nostalgic flavors blend perfectly in this creamy creation.

Maple country’s beloved classic gets a luxurious makeover with rich cream cheese and buttery pastry notes.

Crisp graham cracker crust provides a delightful foundation for the silky filling.

Caramelized maple syrup swirls add unexpected depth to each magnificent slice.

Indulgent textures promise a remarkable experience that connects traditional baking with modern culinary creativity.

Grab your mixing bowl and prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dessert.

Why Butter Tart Cheesecake Wins Every Time

• A showstopping dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal culinary skills. Home bakers can confidently create this stunning cheesecake without advanced pastry techniques.
• Prepare components in stages with make-ahead potential. Crust and filling can be prepared a day before, while topping comes together quickly. Refrigeration time allows busy home cooks to plan around their schedule.
• Transforms traditional butter tart flavors into a creamy cheesecake experience. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where people appreciate nostalgic Canadian dessert inspirations. Combines beloved flavor profiles that appeal to multiple generations.
• Easily adapt by adding optional pecans or raisins to the topping. Swap ingredients to match personal preferences or dietary needs without compromising the delicious fundamental recipe structure.

Ingredients That Make Butter Tart Cheesecake Sing

• Graham Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet base for the cheesecake with a nice crumbly texture.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy and tangy base of the cheesecake, best when at room temperature.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the filling.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla: Brings depth and warm flavor to the cheesecake.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the topping.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: Adds characteristic Canadian butter tart flavor.
• Eggs: Help thicken and bind the topping.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Pecans, Raisins: Optional mix-ins for added texture and traditional butter tart elements.

Baking a Rich Butter Tart Cheesecake at Home

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Place in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Let the crust cool completely while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Sour cream
• Flour
• Vanilla extract

Pour the luscious mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Set the pan on a baking sheet and slide into the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Create Decadent Butter Tart Topping

• Beaten eggs
• Vanilla extract

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture slightly thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Optional: Stir in pecans or raisins. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pour the cooled topping over the chilled cheesecake, spreading evenly. Return to the refrigerator and chill for an additional hour. Carefully remove from the springform pan, slice into elegant wedges, and serve this show-stopping dessert!

Pro Tips to Master Butter Tart Cheesecake

• Prevent Cracking: Bake cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create humidity, which helps prevent surface cracks and ensures smooth, creamy texture.
• Smooth Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to create a compact, uniform base that won't crumble when serving.
• Temper Eggs Carefully: Add eggs one at a time and mix on low speed to prevent overbeating, which can introduce air bubbles and cause the cheesecake to rise and fall during baking.
• Control Butter Tart Topping: Cook the topping slowly and stir constantly to avoid scorching and achieve a silky, caramel-like consistency that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.
• Chill for Best Results: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly and develop rich, deep flavors.

Save and Store Butter Tart Cheesecake Like a Pro

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 1-2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight for best results. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the texture.

What Goes Well with Butter Tart Cheesecake

• Complement the rich, sweet butter tart cheesecake with a glass of Ontario's signature dessert wine, highlighting maple and caramel notes that echo the dessert's flavor profile.
• Cut through the cheesecake's sweetness with a bold, slightly bitter cocktail that provides a sophisticated contrast and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create a luxurious dessert experience by adding a small scoop of creamy, smooth gelato that enhances the cheesecake's texture and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Select a smooth Canadian whiskey with caramel undertones that harmonizes perfectly with the butter tart topping and complements the cheesecake's rich, creamy base.

Variations That Reinvent Butter Tart Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients and ensure all mix-ins are gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Replace eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacer. Select plant-based butter for crust and topping.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free maple syrup alternative. Choose sugar-free cream cheese and reduce overall sweetness in topping.
• Nut-Free Modification: Eliminate pecans from topping. Replace with sunflower seeds or omit completely. Use seed-based alternatives for crunch if desired. Double-check all ingredients for potential nut cross-contamination.

Your Butter Tart Cheesecake Questions, Solved

• What is a butter tart, and how is it different from this cheesecake?

A butter tart is a classic Canadian dessert with a pastry shell filled with a sweet, gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs. This cheesecake reimagines that traditional treat by incorporating the butter tart flavors into a creamy cheesecake base with a rich, syrupy topping.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the butter tart topping?

Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely. Raisins are optional but traditional in many butter tart recipes. If you don’t have maple syrup, corn syrup can work as an alternative.

• Why does the recipe require baking the cheesecake at a low temperature?

Low-temperature baking helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. The slow, gentle heat allows the cheesecake to cook evenly without becoming dry or overcooked.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It should look mostly firm with a small wobble in the middle when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can lead to a dry, cracked surface.

Butter Tart Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Canadian heritage shines through this butter tart cheesecake, blending classic prairie comfort with creamy indulgence. Maple-kissed filling and buttery crust invite Canadian dessert lovers to savor a nostalgic culinary journey that celebrates national flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Cheesecake Base:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup melted butter

Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Supporting Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or corn syrup)

Optional Ingredients:

• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into a springform pan’s base, creating a compact layer. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a golden hue.
2. Transform cream cheese into a silky smooth base by beating until creamy. Gradually incorporate sugar, ensuring a uniform texture. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, maintaining a light consistency. Blend in sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a velvety consistency.
3. Transfer the cheesecake mixture onto the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Position the pan on a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a slightly wobbly center indicating perfect doneness.
4. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar. Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour, preventing cracks and ensuring a creamy texture. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to firm completely.
5. Prepare the decadent butter tart topping by melting butter in a saucepan. Introduce brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until a smooth caramel forms. Carefully whisk in beaten eggs and vanilla, cooking over low heat while continuously stirring.
6. Cook the topping until it thickens slightly, approximately 3-5 minutes. Incorporate pecans and/or raisins for added texture and flavor. Allow the mixture to cool and slightly set.
7. Generously drizzle the cooled butter tart topping over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring even coverage. Return to the refrigerator for an additional hour to set completely.
8. Carefully release the springform pan’s sides. Slice the cheesecake into elegant portions, serving chilled for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Create a stable crust by pressing graham crumbs firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring no loose crumbs that might make the base crumbly.
• Prevent cheesecake cracks by beating cream cheese slowly and avoiding overmixing, which can incorporate too much air and cause surface splitting.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to guarantee smooth, lump-free batter and consistent texture throughout the cheesecake.
• Customize the topping by swapping pecans with walnuts or adding chocolate chips for extra flavor variations that suit different preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg