Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars
Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars
These bars bring together a tender, flaky base, a rich cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping. They’re an irresistible dessert for holidays, brunches, or anytime you want something special.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Pastry Base:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Cold unsalted butter, cubed | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ice water | ¼ cup |
For the Cheesecake Layer:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
For the Apple Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples (peeled and diced) | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| Water | ¼ cup |
For the Streusel Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Cold unsalted butter, cubed | ¼ cup |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Pastry Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, stirring just until the dough holds together. Shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, and continue mixing until well combined and creamy.
3. Cook the Apple Filling:
In a small saucepan, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
4. Roll and Assemble the Pastry:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. Roll the chilled pastry dough to fit the pan and press it into the bottom evenly.
5. Layer the Components:
Spread the cheesecake mixture over the pastry. Add the cooled apple filling on top in an even layer.
6. Add the Streusel:
In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture forms small crumbs. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
7. Bake:
Place in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
8. Chill and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then refrigerate until firm before slicing into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
