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Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 5 reviews

These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy brown sugar topping, making for a deliciously 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 to cut in

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the parchment extends up the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Cream butter: Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter on high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt: Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the creamed butter. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Incorporate flour: Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  5. Press and bake crust: Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 300°F for 15 minutes to set the crust.
  6. Prepare apple filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly.
  7. Make topping: In another bowl, mix ½ cup flour and ¾ cup brown sugar. Cut in the melted or room temperature butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  8. Assemble layers: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle half of the brown sugar topping evenly over the crust. Then layer the apple mixture evenly on top, keeping the layer level. Sprinkle the remaining topping over the apples.
  9. Bake bars: Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and apples are tender.
  10. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  11. Serve: Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • For easier slicing, you can use a mandoline to thinly slice apples.
  • If you prefer softer topping, reduce the baking time slightly at 350°F.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • These bars can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/apple-crisp-shortbread-bars-recipe-3/