Flaky, creamy, and irresistibly fruity, Apple Cheese Danish Bars combine the nostalgic flavor of apple pie with the rich indulgence of a cheesecake pastry. This crowd-pleasing dessert comes together with minimal effort.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weekday cravings, these bars deliver buttery layers, silky cream cheese, and gooey apple filling in every bite. Enjoy them warm or chilled—either way, they vanish fast.
Key Ingredients That Make Apple Cheese Danish Bars Shine
- Refrigerated crescent rolls – Buttery, flaky dough that becomes the perfect golden-brown crust and topping for these bars.
- Apple pie filling – Sweet, cinnamon-laced apples bring a comforting, pie-like essence to each bite.
- Cream cheese – Smooth and rich, this adds a tangy layer that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar – Delicately sweetens the cream cheese and forms the base of the glaze.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses the filling and glaze with a cozy warmth that enhances the apples.
- Butter – Brushed on top for a golden finish and richer flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar (optional) – Adds a final spiced sparkle, especially delightful when baked into the top layer.
How to Make These Apple Cheese Danish Bars
Start by pressing half of the crescent roll dough into a greased 8×8 baking dish to form the base.
Next, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla for a sweet, creamy filling. Spread it over the dough.
Layer on the apple pie filling, then top with the second sheet of crescent dough.
Drizzle melted butter over the top and, if desired, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until golden and fragrant.
Once cooled slightly, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, butter, and a splash of milk.
Sweet Success Tips & Tasty Variations
For a flakier finish, chill the top crescent layer for 5–10 minutes before baking. Want a more tart flavor? Use granny smith apples or a homemade apple pie filling with a splash of lemon juice.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the apple and cream cheese layers for texture. For fall flair, stir a pinch of nutmeg into the cinnamon sugar topping.
Feeling extra indulgent? Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storing Your Apple Cheese Danish Bars
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven until just heated through.
They can also be frozen—wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to restore their fresh-baked flavor.
Apple Cheese Danish Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls divided
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 –3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar optional
- 1 can apple pie filling or homemade
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon butter softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Unroll half of the crescent dough and press it evenly into the base of the prepared dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth, then incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent layer in the baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the apple pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
- Unroll and place the remaining crescent dough over the apple layer, gently pressing it to cover.
- Drizzle melted butter across the top layer, then optionally sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Glaze
- In a small bowl, blend together powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in milk until the desired glaze consistency is achieved; you may not need the entire tablespoon.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon.
