Print

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a spiced apple filling and a crumbly brown sugar topping, creating a delicious and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Apple Filling

  • 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter, melted or room temperature for cutting in

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, bringing the parchment up the sides for easy lifting of the bars later.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: In a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter on high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until combined. Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to set.
  4. Prepare the apple filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss well to evenly coat the apple slices with the dry ingredients and spices.
  5. Prepare the topping: Mix ½ cup flour and ¾ cup brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the ¼ cup of butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Assemble the bars: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the baked crust. Spread the apple mixture evenly on top of this layer, ensuring a level surface. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb topping evenly over the apples.
  7. Bake the assembled bars: Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
  8. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the bars firm up for easier cutting.
  9. Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for better texture and flavor balance.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, bake the crust for less time or skip pre-baking.
  • For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars overnight.
  • These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for added crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp bars, shortbread crust, apple dessert, spiced apple bars, fall dessert, easy baking recipe

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/apple-crisp-shortbread-bars-recipe-2/