These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a treat you won’t forget! They have a buttery shortbread base topped with spiced apples and a crunchy crumble on top. Yum!
The sweet aroma while baking is simply irresistible. I love grabbing a square and enjoying it with a scoop of ice cream. Perfect for cozy movie nights! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith give the best flavor, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness. If you prefer, pears work well too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for precise control over the saltiness of the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or plant-based butter are great substitutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works just as well in this recipe.
Cinnamon: This spice is excellent for warmth. You can use pumpkin pie spice if you want that fall vibe, or skip the spices altogether for a more pure apple flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Shortbread Crust?
The shortbread crust is easy, but it needs some love. It’s all about the cold butter! This keeps your dough flaky.
- Use chilled butter and cut it in until it resembles small peas. Don’t overmix; you want some texture.
- Press it firmly into your pan to create a solid base that holds together well.
- Don’t skip the pre-baking step! This gives the crust a light golden color and keeps it from getting soggy.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Apple Filling?
When layering your apple filling, make sure the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Toss the apple pieces gently to avoid bruising them, which keeps them intact while baking.
- Spread the filling out evenly over the crust to ensure every bite has delicious apple flavor!
These tips will help you create perfect Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars every time! Enjoy baking!
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 55 minutes total in the oven, including baking time. You’ll have to wait a little while for the bars to cool before you can dig in, so plan on around 1 hour of cooling time. Altogether, you can expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes before these tasty treats are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. Using a pastry blender or food processor, cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour until the apples are well coated. This helps to enhance their flavor and gives the filling a nice texture.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, just like you did for the crust. This topping is what gives the bars their delicious crunch!
4. Assemble the Bars:
Evenly spread the prepared apple filling over the pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan. Then, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples. Make sure to cover them well for that perfect crisp texture!
5. Bake:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble topping is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Enjoy these bars on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!
Enjoy your delicious Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars! They make a fantastic treat any time of year! 🍏🥳
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the filling if you use sweeter apples.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and topping. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and sugar, are gluten-free too.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the bars a day ahead. Just follow the recipe, allow them to cool, and then cover tightly. They taste great the next day, and the flavors have time to meld!
