Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars
Cheesecake danishes have always been a favorite of mine. Growing up, we didn’t eat them at home very often, but there always seemed to be a box full of them at the Sunday church service. Whether they were plain cheese, cherry, or apple, I was completely on board with eating these sweet treats for breakfast.
These days, I don’t often have time to make danishes from scratch, so when a craving strikes I turn to these easy Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars! They’re a cinch to make using crescent roll dough, apple pie filling, and a simple cream cheese mixture.
These bars are perfect for any occasion, but especially great when entertaining because there’s enough to serve a whole crowd! A delicious breakfast indulgence, an afternoon treat, or cozy dessert, there’s no wrong time for these danish bars. If you’re whipping up a batch for a smaller group, the recipe can also be cut in half pretty easily and baked in an 8×8 dish instead. Swapping in cherry pie filling also makes for a tasty alternative!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the flavors of apple pie and cheesecake, these bars are your dream come true. They’re quick to assemble, perfect for feeding a crowd, and absolutely delicious. Plus, their versatility means you can adapt them to your taste, whether that means swapping out the filling or scaling the recipe to fit your needs.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 baking dish or 8×8 dish for half the recipe
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- (2) 8 oz packages crescent roll dough
- (2) 21 oz cans apple pie filling
- (2) 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
- 3 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Roll out the first package of crescent roll dough and fit it into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
- Spoon both cans of apple pie filling over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
- Roll out the second crescent dough package and place it on top of the apple layer.
- Pour the melted butter over the top layer of crescent dough.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the top and bake for 30-34 minutes.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them.
Tips for Success
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. Spreading the apple filling evenly will give each bar a consistent flavor. Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for a fun twist. You can also add a drizzle of icing on top for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of these Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars offers a delightful mix of flavors with approximately 320 calories, 15g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. Perfect for a satisfying treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use homemade apple pie filling? Absolutely! Just ensure the filling is fully cooked before using it in the bars.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars are a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to win over your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and share your delicious creations with us!