Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars Recipe

This recipe combines the flaky goodness of Danish pastry with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet tartness of apples.

Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry:

   • In a large bowl, combine flour, cubed butter, sugar, and salt.
   • Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
   • Shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

   • Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and combined.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and the mixture thickens.
   • Cool completely.

4. Assemble the Bars:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • Roll out chilled pastry on a floured surface into a rectangle slightly larger than the pan.
   • Place pastry in the prepared pan, pressing it down evenly.
   • Spread the cheesecake layer over the pastry.
   • Spoon the cooled apple filling over the cheesecake layer.
   • In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and butter for the streusel. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
   • Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.

5. Bake and Serve:

   • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
   • Cool in the pan, then refrigerate until chilled.
   • Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars.
   • Serve and enjoy!