Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars
CheesecakeMedium

Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars recipe is one of my favorites because it turns a comforting fall pumpkin pie, a staple in my family kitchen, into a silky, bite‑size dessert that anyone can make in a flash. I love how the warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove—meld with the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree, all wrapped in a creamy cheesecake filling that’s smooth enough to melt in your mouth. The real magic happens when I drizzle the homemade caramel sauce through the set cheesecake. The slow swirl creates a visually stunning marbled effect, and the creamy caramel gives a buttery, slightly salty contrast that lingers long after each bite. The crust is an easy graham cracker cookie base, lightly buttered to give it just the right crunch and a comforting, familiar flavor that ties everything together. A little tip that’s saved me a few times is to let the cheesecake mixture rest at room temperature for a few minutes before baking. This brings all the ingredients to the same temperature, preventing the center from cracking or the tops from browning too quickly. Also, when you pour the caramel, tilt the pan a few times to evenly distribute the sauce before the cheesecake sets. If you try this, I’d love to hear from you—let me know what you think and how you tweaked the recipe in your kitchen. Send us an email and share your experience, and let’s keep the sweetness going!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Servings
16
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar; press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3

Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

4

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

5

Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully combined.

6

Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust.

7

Drizzle caramel sauce on top and use a knife to create swirls.

8

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

9

Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to chill these Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars before serving?

For the best texture and clean slicing, these cheesecake bars require thorough chilling. After cooling completely from the 35-minute bake time, cover the pan loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is highly recommended.

Can I make these Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are excellent for making ahead! You can prepare and fully chill the finished bars up to 3 days in advance. Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent odors.

What is the best way to prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking during baking?

To minimize cracking, ensure your 16 ounces of cream cheese are fully softened to room temperature before mixing, and avoid overmixing once the eggs are added. Also, be sure to cool the bars gradually after the 35-minute bake time before refrigeration.