Apple Cheese Danish Bars

Apple Cheese Danish Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines flaky crescent dough, creamy sweetened cheese, and warm apple pie filling. They bake into soft, layered bars that taste like a bakery treat but require only a few simple steps. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, brunch, or a quick family dessert, these bars deliver cozy apple flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls divided
1 can apple pie filling or homemade
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar optional

Glaze Ingredients
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tablespoon softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
3. Roll out half of the crescent dough onto the bottom of the dish.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom dough layer.
6. Spoon the apple pie filling evenly on top.
7. Place the remaining crescent dough over the apple layer.
8. Pour melted butter on top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if using.
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.
10. Cool before glazing.
11. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla.
12. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
13. Drizzle over the cooled bars.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

1. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture.
2. Add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
3. Pair with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4. Cut into 9 large bars or 12 smaller bars depending on your needs.

Storage

1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 12 seconds.
3. Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months.
4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add glaze before serving.

Variations

1. Caramel Apple Danish Bars
   Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top layer of dough.
2. Apple Cinnamon Roll Danish
   Add a sprinkle of cinnamon inside the cream cheese layer and swirl in a little brown sugar.
3. Apple Pie Spice Version
   Replace cinnamon sugar with apple pie spice for a warmer, spiced flavor.
4. Maple Apple Danish Bars
   Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the cream cheese mixture and make a maple glaze.
5. Apple Pecan Danish Bars
   Sprinkle chopped pecans between the cream cheese and apple layers.
6. Apple Almond Danish Bars
   Add sliced almonds on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
7. Apple Cranberry Danish Bars
   Stir dried cranberries into the apple pie filling for a tart twist.
8. Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars
   Increase the cream cheese to 12 ounces for a thicker cheesecake-style layer.
9. Apple Cinnamon Streusel Danish
   Add a small streusel topping made of flour, butter, and brown sugar.
10. Apple Raisin Danish Bars
    Add a handful of raisins inside the apple layer for extra sweetness.
11. Apple Nutmeg Danish Bars
    Add nutmeg to the glaze for a warm holiday flavor.
12. Honey Apple Danish Bars
    Drizzle honey over the top layer before baking.
13. Apple Vanilla Bean Danish Bars
    Add real vanilla bean seeds to the cream cheese mixture for richer flavor.
14. Apple Lemon Danish Bars
    Add a splash of lemon juice to the apple filling for brightness.
15. Apple Chocolate Chip Danish Bars
    Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding apples.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
   Yes, homemade filling works perfectly and adds a fresher flavor.
2. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
   Yes, but the texture will be flakier. Adjust baking time if needed.
3. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, use a 9×13 baking dish and double all ingredients.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the bars ahead and bake when ready, or bake and glaze later.
5. Why is my cream cheese layer lumpy?
   The cream cheese must be fully softened to blend smoothly.
6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture.
7. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, the bars are sweet enough, but glaze adds a nice finish.
8. Can I use another fruit filling?
   Absolutely. Cherry, peach, or blueberry also work well.
9. What if the top browns too quickly?
   Cover loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
10. How do I get clean slices?
    Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Apple Cheese Danish Bars deliver bakery-style flavor with minimal effort. With creamy filling, warm apples, and soft flaky layers, they make a versatile dessert suitable for any occasion. Easy to prepare and always delicious, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

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