Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars

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.