These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a tasty treat! With a buttery shortbread base and sweet apple filling, they’re the perfect mix of crunchy and soft. Yum!
Whenever I make these, the smell of warm apples fills the house, making everyone hungry. I can’t resist taking a bite (or two) before they cool down! 🍏
They’re super easy to make, plus you can throw in some cinnamon for extra flavor. Great for sharing or just enjoying with a good cup of tea. Perfect for any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your crust. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I often use Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur for great results!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite due to their tartness, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the filling. Honeycrisp also works well. No apples? Pears could be a nice substitute for a slightly different flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re keeping dairy-free, go for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Just ensure it’s chilled for a crumbly texture!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth to the bars. If you’re short on nutmeg, you can omit it or just add extra cinnamon. I love a sprinkle of cardamom for an exotic twist if I’m in the mood!
How Do I Get a Perfect Crust for My Bars?
The crust is crucial for a sturdy yet tender base. Here are a few tips to get it just right:
- Make sure your butter is cold; this creates a flaky texture. You can even freeze it for 10 minutes before using!
- Don’t overmix the flour with the butter. You want it to look like coarse crumbs, which helps your crust maintain structure.
- Firmly press the crust into the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even layer.
Letting the crust bake until lightly golden before adding the filling ensures it stays crisp even with the juicy apples on top!
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time along with 55-60 minutes of baking time. Plan for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Don’t forget to let your bars cool completely before slicing—this will make cutting much easier!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Ovens and Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix together the 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, incorporate the cold butter until your mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay if there are some larger pieces!
3. Press and Bake the Crust:
Set aside about 1 cup of this crumb mixture for topping. Firmly press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until it just starts turning golden. Take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss your diced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the apples are well coated. Yum!
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, ensuring every bite will be delicious. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture uniformly over the apples.
6. Bake Again:
Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to be golden and for those apples to be tender and bubbling away. The aroma will be hard to resist!
7. Cool and Cut:
Once done, remove the baking pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key! Once it’s cooled, lift the bars out by the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and they’re ready to serve.
Enjoy these warm or at room temperature! They’re delightful on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Braeburn or Fuji. Just aim for apples that are firm and not overly sweet to maintain the right balance.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just give them a little time to come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your brown sugar is also gluten-free if you’re following strict dietary needs!
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzling caramel sauce on top is also a tasty option for a decadent treat!
