Delectable Apple Swirl Cheesecake

Featured in Bake Something Special.

Creamy no-bake cheesecake with spiced apple butter swirls and a buttery cinnamon crust. Simple to prep and delicious to serve.
Rose
Updated on Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:35:13 GMT
A rich slice of cheesecake with smooth apple butter swirl served on a dark plate. Pin it
A rich slice of cheesecake with smooth apple butter swirl served on a dark plate. | lovelylifewithrose.com

These homestyle buttermilk biscuits are pure comfort food magic. Their golden, crispy exterior gives way to a perfectly tender, flaky center. Each batch fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that signals something wonderful is about to come out of the oven.

A Treasured Family Recipe

This tried-and-true recipe comes from a weathered recipe card found in my grandmother's collection. Those well-worn edges and butter stains speak to years of family gatherings where these biscuits took center stage. Now they continue bringing comfort and connection to a new generation.

Essential Ingredients

Baking Instructions

The Buttermilk Difference

Buttermilk is the key ingredient that makes these biscuits exceptionally tender with a subtle tangy flavor. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, combine regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let stand for 5 minutes as a substitute.

A slice of cheesecake with a marbled caramel topping is displayed on a black plate, revealing a creamy filling and a graham cracker crust. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake with a marbled caramel topping is displayed on a black plate, revealing a creamy filling and a graham cracker crust. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits shine brightest straight from the oven. Serve them with local honey, homemade preserves, or classic butter. They're perfect for soaking up savory gravies or completing a hearty breakfast spread with sausage gravy.

Storage Tips

Allow biscuits to cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil to maintain freshness whether storing at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through for best results.

Freezing Instructions

Prepare extra biscuits for convenient future meals. Double-wrap in foil and freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Frozen biscuits maintain quality for up to two months. Reheat from frozen in a low-temperature oven until thoroughly warmed.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with delicious additions like aged cheddar and fresh herbs, or transform them into sweet treats with cinnamon sugar topping. Garlic powder and parmesan create savory rolls perfect alongside pasta dishes.

Perfect for Gatherings

These biscuits elevate any meal to something memorable. From casual weekend brunches to holiday celebrations, their heartwarming aroma and golden appearance make every gathering special.

A slice of cheesecake with a caramel topping on a black plate, showcasing a graham cracker crust. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake with a caramel topping on a black plate, showcasing a graham cracker crust. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough in advance for stress-free entertaining. Cover shaped biscuits and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake fresh the next morning for warm, homemade biscuits without the early wake-up call.

Kid-Friendly Options

These perfectly sized biscuits make excellent sandwiches for small hands. Fill with classic combinations like peanut butter and jelly or honey butter for satisfying after-school snacks.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Create gluten-free versions using quality cup-for-cup flour blends containing xanthan gum. Adjust liquid quantities as needed to achieve the right consistency. The result maintains the tender, flaky texture of traditional biscuits.

Creating the Perfect Crust

The signature golden-brown bottom crust develops from properly prepared pans. Ensure melted butter coats the entire baking surface before adding dough. This technique creates the prized crispy exterior everyone loves.

Sweet Variations

Transform basic biscuits into breakfast pastries by increasing sugar in the dough. Top warm biscuits with simple glaze made from powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla for an indulgent morning treat.

A top view of a cheesecake with a glossy chocolate swirl pattern on a graham cracker crust, placed on a wooden serving board. Pin it
A top view of a cheesecake with a glossy chocolate swirl pattern on a graham cracker crust, placed on a wooden serving board. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Large Batch Instructions

Scale up easily for larger gatherings by doubling ingredients. Use multiple baking pans or one large sheet pan to accommodate increased quantities. Extra biscuits disappear quickly, so generous portions are recommended.

Reheating Method

Restore leftover biscuits to fresh-baked quality in a 300-degree oven for approximately ten minutes. The butter content helps maintain moisture during reheating for consistently good results.

Beverage Pairings

Enjoy these versatile biscuits alongside morning coffee, afternoon tea, or cold milk. Their buttery richness complements both hot and cold beverages, making them suitable for any time of day.

Outdoor Baking

Adapt this recipe for outdoor cooking by pre-mixing dry ingredients. Complete preparation at campsite using a cast iron skillet over carefully managed campfire. Fresh biscuits enhance any outdoor dining experience.

Creating Traditions

These biscuits represent more than sustenance - they're woven into countless family memories. From quick weekday breakfasts to elaborate holiday meals, they bring warmth and connection to every occasion.

A slice of cheesecake with a glossy caramel topping and decorative apple slices, sitting on a dark plate. Pin it
A slice of cheesecake with a glossy caramel topping and decorative apple slices, sitting on a dark plate. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why make a cheesecake this way?
It’s simpler to put together and has a smoother, airier consistency than baked cheesecakes.
→ Can you prepare this beforehand?
Absolutely. It needs at least six hours to chill and works great if prepared a day early and kept in the fridge.
→ Why cover crumbs with butter?
The butter binds the crumbs, keeping the crust intact once it’s set.
→ Is a store-bought crust okay?
Yes, but adding cinnamon to a homemade crust offers a richer taste and better texture.
→ Any tips for neat slices?
Make sure it’s fully chilled and use a warm knife, wiping it clean after each cut.

Apple Butter Cheesecake

This no-bake treat has a smooth cheesecake base with apple butter swirls over a graham cracker crust. Perfect for cozy seasons.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 CRUST:
02 2 cups (204 g) crushed graham crackers.
03 ½ cup (113 g) melted unsalted butter.
04 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
05 FILLING:
06 16 ounces of softened cream cheese.
07 1 cup (200 g) white sugar.
08 ¾ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
09 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream.
10 ½ cup (120 g) apple butter spread.

Instructions

Step 01

Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray that stops sticking.

Step 02

Stir together melted butter with the graham crumbs and cinnamon. Firmly press into the pan and store in the fridge to cool.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the lemon juice and cream, then whip until it’s nice and fluffy.

Step 04

Pour the filling onto the crust. Add spoonfuls of apple butter on top and swirl them for a marbled effect.

Step 05

Pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight, so it sets before serving.

Notes

  1. Needs at least 6 hours in the fridge to firm up.
  2. Feel free to make this a day before serving.
  3. No oven required for this one.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9-inch springform pan.
  • A stand mixer or a handheld one will work.
  • An offset spatula for spreading.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products (cream cheese, heavy cream).
  • Includes wheat (graham cracker crumbs).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 427
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~