Ingredients:
- (2) 8 oz packages of crescent roll dough
- (2) 21 oz cans of apple pie filling
- (2) 8 oz packages of cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup of powdered sugar
- ½ cup of butter (1 stick), melted
- 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Pastry brush (optional)
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray to ensure that nothing sticks.
- Prepare the Base Layer:
- Open one package of crescent roll dough. Unroll the dough and press it into the bottom of your greased baking dish, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Pinch together any seams to prevent filling from leaking through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or an electric mixer on a medium setting to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without lumps.
- Add the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the layer, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Add the Apple Pie Filling:
- Open the cans of apple pie filling and spoon the filling over the cream cheese layer. Gently spread the apple filling to cover the cream cheese evenly. The layer of apples adds a delightful tartness and moisture to the bars.
- Top with Second Layer of Dough:
- Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough. Carefully place it over the apple pie filling, covering it completely. Press the edges to seal them with the bottom dough layer.
- Add Butter and Cinnamon Topping:
- Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the top layer of crescent dough. Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the butter. This will give a nice spicy aroma and flavor that complements the apples and cream cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-34 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to set properly before cutting into bars.
- Cut into desired sizes and serve either warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your mixture.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
This detailed recipe should help you create delicious Apple Cheesecake Danish Bars that are perfect for any occasion!
