Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup ice water
For the Cheesecake Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softenedEzoic
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
2 cups apples, peeled and diced (e.g., Granny Smith)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup waterEzoic
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugarEzoic
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
Prepare the Pastry:
-In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cubed unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt.
-Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-Gradually add ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.Ezoic
-Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
-In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
-Add granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
-In a saucepan, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and water.
-Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Assemble the Bars:
-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a floured surface into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking pan.
-Place the rolled-out pastry into 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, 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.
-Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
Baking and Serving:
-Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
-Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
-Once chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan. Cut them into squares or bars.
-Serve and enjoy your Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars! They’re delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream.