These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a tasty treat! They combine juicy apples with a buttery shortbread base and a crunchy topping. Perfect for any time of the day!
Making these bars is super easy, and they fill the kitchen with a delicious smell! I love enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s an awesome combo! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the shortbread. If you need a gluten-free version, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work well. I’ve used both and they still taste great!
Unsalted butter: Cold, diced butter creates a flaky texture. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter can be a good substitute, but the flavor may change a bit. I always choose high-quality butter for the best results!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, perfect for baking. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and a nice texture. If these aren’t available, consider using Fuji or Braeburn apples instead.
Brown sugar: This adds a lovely caramel flavor. You can substitute it with granulated sugar but the taste will be less rich. For a healthier option, use coconut sugar.
How Do You Properly Prepare the Shortbread Base?
The shortbread base is essential for these bars! Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt. The key is cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you get coarse crumbs. Here’s how:
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour.
- Avoid over-mixing; stop once it resembles small pebbles.
- Press the dough firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid base.
Baking it lightly before adding the apple filling helps it hold up. This step is crucial for that sturdy, yet crumbly layer in your bars!
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Base and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
Overall, this recipe will take about 1 hour to prepare and bake. You’ll need around 15 minutes to prep and another 30-35 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the bars cool completely before slicing—they’ll taste even better once they’ve set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will keep your bars from sticking and make cleaning up easier!
2. Make the Shortbread Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold, diced butter. Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs—don’t worry about being perfect! If you’d like, add the vanilla extract for an extra kick of flavor and mix until everything comes together.
3. Press the Dough into the Pan:
Take about one-third of the dough and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining two-thirds of the dough evenly into the baking pan to form a nice base layer. Make sure it’s packed tightly and smooth!
4. Bake the Shortbread Base:
Put the pan in the oven and bake it for about 12–15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the base is cooling, grab a large bowl and toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until everything is well coated. This mixture will make your filling sweet and flavorful!
6. Cook the Apples:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the apples to soften a bit but still hold their shape. Once done, remove from heat.
7. Make the Layers:
Spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over your baked shortbread base. Then, crumble the reserved shortbread dough over the top to create a lovely, crunchy topping.
8. Bake the Bars:
Now it’s time to return the pan to the oven! Bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and delicious.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles. You can enjoy them plain or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence!
Enjoy your delightful Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars! Perfect for sharing, or just for you! 🍏❤️
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any firm apple like Fuji, Braeburn, or even McIntosh for a softer texture. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may reduce the need for sugar!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Leftover Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the shortbread dough in advance! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. When ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge if frozen and then follow the recipe instructions to bake.
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, granulated sugar can be used as a substitute. For an extra hint of flavor, you can mix a tablespoon of molasses with granulated sugar to mimic the depth of brown sugar. Adjust the amount depending on how rich you want the flavor to be!
