Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars

Instructions:

Prepare the pastry:

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cubed unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the cheesecake layer: 5. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

6. Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Set aside.

Prepare the apple filling: 7. In a saucepan, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and water.

8. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Assemble the bars. 9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

10. Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a floured surface into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking pan.
11. Place the rolled-out pastry into the prepared pan, pressing it down evenly.
12. Spread the cheesecake layer over the pastry.
13. Spoon the cooled apple filling over the cheesecake layer.
14. In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create a crumbly mixture.
15. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.

Baking and Serving: 16. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

17. Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
18. Once chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan. Cut them into squares or bars.
19. Serve and enjoy your Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars! They’re delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream.

Cook’s Notes:

• For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
• You can use other apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for different flavor profiles.
• The pastry can be quite delicate, so handle it gently when rolling it out and transferring it to the pan.
• These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.

Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars are a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack, their creamy, fruity, and crumbly layers are sure to impress your taste buds. Dive into a bite of this sweet and creamy delight and savor the magic of Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars. 🍏🧀🥐