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Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars combine the buttery richness of a shortbread crust with the warm, spiced sweetness of tender baked apples and a crumbly cinnamon nutmeg topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert or an indulgent snack, these bars are easy to prepare and bring comforting autumn flavors into every bite.

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

Crumble Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter, melted or room temperature (to cut in)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter, ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to create the crust layer.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This mixture will help thicken the juices and infuse the apples with warm spices.
  3. Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the prepared shortbread crust, ensuring a uniform layer of fruit.
  4. Prepare the Crumble Topping: Combine ½ cup flour and ¾ cup brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the ¼ cup butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the apple layer to create a crunchy top.
  5. Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This cooling helps the layers to set for easy slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • For an extra touch, serve bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • To make the crumble topping vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple dessert, shortbread bars, apple crisp, cinnamon nutmeg dessert, baked apple bars

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