Caramel Apple Dream Bars a Taste of Autumn

Chelsea Lords on Instagram Zupas Caramel Apple Dream Bars

By Lila BeaumontSeptember 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Fall in Love with Caramel Apple Dream Bars

Ever craved something that screams autumn vibes? Fancy some apple desserts ? Honestly, these Caramel Apple Dream Bars are where it's at.

Inspired by the Zupas copycat recipe , they're my take on pure comfort. And I have to say, Chelsea Lords on Instagram: "Zupas makes my heart sing and inspires this recipe.

What Makes These Bars So Good?

These bars are not your average bake. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust dessert . Then, a tangy cheesecake layer. And finally , a luscious caramel apple topping.

It’s like apple cheesecake bars collided. Absolute heaven, isn't it?

A Slice of Autumn, Easy Style

This easy caramel apple dessert brings a little bit of American fall right to your kitchen, no transatlantic flight needed.

It's a medium difficulty recipe, perfect for a weekend bake. Prep takes about 30 minutes plus chilling time, then about 45 minutes in the oven.

This recipe makes 12 yummy bars. They're perfect for sharing...or not!

**Why You'll Adore These Bars**

Beyond the deliciousness, apples are actually pretty good for you. Plus, these autumn dessert recipes are the perfect showstopper for a get-together, or just a cozy night in.

What makes these bars special? Well, the creamy cheesecake paired with the caramel sauce and tangy apples just hits different.

And frankly, they're incredibly moreish. You've been warned!

Ready to bake some magic? Let's gather the ingredients!

Caramel Apple Dream Bars: What You'll Need

Right, let's talk ingredients and kit for these Caramel Apple Dream Bars . This is my take on a Zupas copycat recipe , inspired by Chelsea Lords on Instagram: "Zupas" creations.

I've tweaked it to be totally doable at home. No fancy pants skills needed!

Get Your Ingredients Sorted

Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need. We're making a graham cracker crust dessert , a creamy cheesecake layer, and a proper yummy apple topping.

I'm getting hungry just thinking about these caramel apple desserts !

Graham Cracker Base

1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs: Honestly, the finer, the better.
⅓ cup (67g) melted unsalted butter: Good quality butter makes a difference, yeah?
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Just plain ol' sugar.

Cheesecake Goodness

16 ounces (454g) full fat cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s properly softened. Seriously, don’t skip this.
⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar: Keeps it sweet.
2 large eggs: Free range if you can get ‘em.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Splurge on the good stuff; it's worth it.
¼ cup (60ml) sour cream: Adds a nice tang.

Apple Compote Delight

4 medium apples (about 600g total): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are top choices.
¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar: For that caramel depth.
2 tablespoons (30ml) water: Helps everything cook nicely.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter: More butter is always a good idea, right?
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Can't have autumn dessert recipes without it!
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way.
½ cup (120ml) caramel sauce : Good stuff here, lads. No fakey fake. Extra for drizzling, obvs.
Optional: Pinch of sea salt: For that extra oomph .

Seasoning Notes for the Soul

Cinnamon and nutmeg are a classic pair for these apple desserts . A pinch of salt in the caramel sauce really brings out the flavour.

You can chuck in a bit of ginger if you're feeling spicy.

Your Essential Kit

You don't need loads of fancy gear. Here's what's essential:

9x13 inch baking pan: This is a must.
Mixing bowls: A couple of different sizes.
Electric mixer: Hand or stand mixer, your call.
Rubber spatula: For scraping down the sides.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key.
Saucepan: For the caramel apples .
Parchment paper: Makes life so much easier.

Alright, that's all you need! Ready to get baking this easy caramel apple dessert ? These apple cheesecake bars are gonna be epic!

Baking These Caramel Apple Dream Bars : My Way or the Highway (Almost!)

Okay, folks, listen up! We're diving headfirst into these incredibly delicious Caramel Apple Dream Bars . Inspired by the one and only Chelsea Lords on Instagram: "Zupas" , these bad boys are about to become your new favourite autumn dessert recipe .

Honestly, they’re easier than navigating the Tube during rush hour, promise! This Zupas copycat recipe is like a Caramel Apple Desserts meets apple cheesecake bars .

Get ready, it's going to be a flavor explosion!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Right, let's talk prep. It is so important! Get your Graham cracker crust dessert ingredients lined up. Melt that butter, crush those crackers.

Softened cream cheese is key, people! Nobody wants lumpy cheesecake. Set your cream cheese out way ahead of time. Dice those apples too.

I prefer Granny Smith for that tart kick, but Honeycrisp works a treat too. We are looking to make Caramel Apples in Caramel Sauce .

You know?

step-by-step: From Crumbs to Caramel Bliss

Crust Time: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 67g melted butter, and 50g sugar. Press firmly into a parchment lined pan. Chill for at least 30 minutes . Trust me, this step is important.
Cheesecake Magic: Beat 454g softened cream cheese and 133g sugar until smooth. Add two eggs, vanilla, and 60ml sour cream. Beat until just combined.
Apple Tango: Cook diced apples, 50g brown sugar, 30ml water, 30g butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan until the apples are tender. Then, stir in 120ml caramel sauce.
Assemble and Bake: Pour cheesecake over the crust. Top with the apple mixture. Bake at 175° C for 45- 50 minutes . The cheesecake should be set but still a tiny bit jiggly.
Cool Down: Let it cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours . Patience, my friends!

Pro Tips and Avoiding Disaster!

Avoid making mistakes and follow my simple steps for a delish easy caramel apple dessert

Don't overbake! A jiggly centre is what you're aiming for.
Chill them properly! This makes them easier to cut.
make-ahead option: The apple compote can be made a day in advance.

These Caramel Apple Dream Bars are the perfect way to celebrate all things apple desserts . Enjoy, and don't forget to tag me in your creations!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Caramel Apple Dream Bars Shine

Right then, let's chat about these delicious Apple Desserts . These Apple cheesecake bars are not just a recipe; they are a hug in a square.

This Zupas copycat recipe will soon be a regular treat. Seriously, it will. This is an Easy caramel apple dessert, ready in 2 hours 15 minutes.

Serving It Up: Plating and Presentation

Presentation matters! Think about those Caramel Apples you see at the fair. Plating these Caramel Apple Desserts is similar. I'm talking about a drizzle of extra Caramel Sauce , maybe a sprinkle of sea salt.

Oh my gosh, it elevates everything. Consider cutting them into neat squares or even using cookie cutters for fun shapes.

A dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream makes it divine. My personal touch? A sprig of mint for a pop of colour and freshness! I love mine with a cup of hot chocolate.

Storing Your Autumn dessert recipes

Honestly, if there are any leftovers, here's the lowdown on storage. Pop them into an airtight container in the fridge.

They'll keep happily for up to 3 days. I have never stored them for more than 3 days and I don't recommend you do it.

Freezing them is possible, but the texture might change a bit. Wrap them individually in cling film, then foil. Reheat gently in the oven.

Never ever try to microwave them.

Variations on a Theme

Fancy mixing things up? Of course you do! For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free Graham cracker crust dessert . For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the cheesecake layer.

Swap the apples for pears for a different flavour profile. Remember to adjust the sweetness if you do.

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, so let's talk numbers. Each bar packs roughly 350-400 calories. They contain around 5g of protein and 20-25g of fat.

Carbohydrates are about 40-45g, and sugar sits at 25-30g. These Caramel treats are a source of dairy, which helps with bone health.

This is just an estimate, mind, and depends on the precise ingredients you use.

You see Chelsea Lords on Instagram: "Zupas . Baking these bars is about more than just following instructions. It's about creating something delicious and sharing it with loved ones.

Honestly, it's pure joy! So, go on, give it a go! You've got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are these Caramel Apple Dream Bars, and how are they inspired by Chelsea Lords on Instagram: "Zupas"?

These Caramel Apple Dream Bars are our take on the popular caramel apple dessert seen on Chelsea Lords on Instagram: "Zupas". Think of them as a deconstructed caramel apple pie, but in bar form!

We've layered a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a homemade caramel apple compote to capture all those delicious autumn flavors. It's like getting a hug from your grandma...if your grandma was a Michelin star chef!

My cheesecake always cracks! What am I doing wrong with the cheesecake layer in these Chelsea Lords on Instagram: "Zupas"-inspired bars?

Cracked cheesecake is a common baking woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on The Great British Baking Show! First, make sure your cream cheese is properly softened no lumps allowed! Second, don't overbake it. The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Cooling it slowly in the oven with the door ajar after baking can also help prevent cracking.

Can I make these Caramel Apple Dream Bars ahead of time? And how should I store them?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling them overnight makes them even better. The flavors meld together beautifully, like a fine wine. To store, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Just be sure to keep them away from anything with strong smells, as cheesecake has a tendency to absorb odors.

Are there any variations or substitutions I can make to these bars? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!

Fancy a little twist? You could add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple compote for a warmer flavor. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a lovely nutty crunch. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free graham crackers.

Think of it as putting your own personal stamp on a classic good on ya!

How do I get those perfect, clean cut squares when slicing the bars? My always look messy.

A messy slice is no fun, is it? A warm, dry knife is your best friend here. Run a large knife under hot water, dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth, and then slice. Repeat this process between each cut. Alternatively, chilling the bars completely (even freezing for a short time) can help them slice more cleanly.

Using the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan before slicing is also a game changer!

These sound quite rich. Are there any nutritional considerations I should be aware of?

You're right, these Caramel Apple Dream Bars are definitely a treat! They contain a fair amount of sugar and fat, so enjoy them in moderation, a bit like having that extra slice of Christmas pudding! You can reduce the sugar slightly by using less caramel sauce or opting for a sugar-free version.

Also, keep in mind the nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.