Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheesecake, and a sweet apple pie topping. This fusion of flavors and textures creates a dessert that is both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade) |
1 sheet |
For the Cheesecake Layer
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Cream cheese, softened |
8 oz |
| Granulated sugar |
1/2 cup |
| Large egg |
1 |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
For the Apple Pie Topping
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced |
2 medium |
| Unsalted butter |
2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar |
1/4 cup |
| Ground cinnamon |
1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg |
1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt |
1/4 teaspoon |
For Glaze (Optional)
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Powdered sugar |
1/2 cup |
| Milk |
1-2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract |
1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions:
Preparing the Pastry
- Thaw Puff Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, follow the package instructions for thawing. If using homemade puff pastry, roll it out into a rectangle that fits your baking dish (typically 9×13 inches) and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
Making the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Spreading the Cheesecake Layer
- Spread Mixture: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared puff pastry in the baking dish.
Sautéing the Apples
- Melt Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Apples and Spices: Add thinly sliced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook Apples: Sauté the apples for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
Adding the Apple Pie Topping
- Top with Apples: Spread the sautéed apple slices over the cheesecake layer in the baking dish.
Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
Glazing (Optional)
- Prepare Glaze: While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle Glaze: Once the bars are done baking, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm.
Cooling and Serving
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Slice into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy!
