Description
Warm, spiced apple butter meets tangy cream cheese on a buttery graham crust—it’s autumn in every bite. This tart is elegant enough for the holidays yet simple enough for a midweek treat. No pastry skills required—just a little mixing, swirling, and chilling, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy showstopper.
Ingredients
Crust
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1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup sugar
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6 tbsp melted butter
Filling
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8 oz cream cheese, softened (full fat)
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¼ cup sugar
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1 egg
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup thick apple butter
Optional Garnishes
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Thin apple slices (tossed in lemon juice)
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Cinnamon dusting
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Toasted pecans
Instructions
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Make the crust: Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter until it resembles wet sand. Press into 9” tart pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 mins. Cool fully.
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Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese + sugar until smooth (2 mins). Add egg + vanilla, beat on low just until blended. Pour into cooled crust.
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Swirl apple butter: Dollop apple butter, swirl gently with knife. Leave distinct streaks for a marbled look.
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Bake: 20–25 mins at 350°F, until edges puff and center jiggles slightly.
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Chill: Cool 1 hr at room temp, then refrigerate at least 2 hrs before serving.
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Serve: Garnish with apple slices, pecans, or cinnamon. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.
Notes
Don’t over-swirl the apple butter—distinct marbling makes it stunning. This tart tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 cal Per slice
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g