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Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with tender, spiced apple slices and a crisp brown sugar topping, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The bars are easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and chilled for a firm, sliceable treat that brings the classic flavors of apple crisp into a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

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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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, bringing the parchment up the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out later.
  2. Cream Butter: Using a stand mixer on high speed, cream the room temperature butter for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the creamed butter. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 1 cup all-purpose flour and mix until the dough forms, ensuring everything is well combined but not overworked.
  5. Form and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven 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 until the apples are evenly coated.
  7. Prepare Topping: Mix the ½ cup flour and ¾ cup brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the ¼ cup 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 crumb topping evenly over the baked crust, then layer the coated apple slices evenly on top. Sprinkle the remaining crumb topping over the apples, keeping the layers level to ensure even baking.
  9. Bake the Bars: Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  10. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up the bars for clean cutting.
  11. Slice and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into 16 equal squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For best results, chill the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting to help them set properly.
  • You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and mixing.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • These bars can be served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp bars, shortbread bars, apple dessert, fall dessert, easy apple bars, baked apple crisp, spiced apple bars

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