Homemade Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe
Introduction
Homemade Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars combine a buttery, tender shortbread base with a warm spiced apple filling and a crunchy crumb topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- For the shortbread base:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the apple filling:
- 3 large apples (peeled and thinly sliced, about 1/8-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp sugar
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/4 cup butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixer, beat the room-temperature butter for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well. Add the flour and mix just until dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until set but not browned.
- Step 2: While the shortbread bakes, combine the peeled and sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour and brown sugar, then add melted butter and knead with fingers until crumbly and coarse.
- Step 3: Increase oven temperature to 350°F when the shortbread comes out. Sprinkle half the crumb topping over the warm base, pressing gently. Spread apple filling evenly over this layer, then top with remaining crumb mixture. Bake for 30 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts, for neat squares.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor in the apple filling.
- Chilling the bars before cutting helps firm up the shortbread for cleaner slices.
- Try mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for extra texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, or enjoy them cold for a firmer texture. You can also freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different apples for the filling?
Yes, feel free to use any firm apple variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Mixing varieties can add complexity to the flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the dough.
PrintHomemade Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe
These Homemade Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars combine a tender, buttery shortbread base with a warmly spiced apple filling and a crumbly streusel topping. Perfectly balanced in texture and flavors, this dessert is an ideal treat for autumn or anytime you crave comforting apple desserts made from scratch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes cooling and chilling time)
- Yield: 9 bars (cut into 3x3 squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (about 70°F)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground preferred)
- 2 tbsp sugar
Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 300°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixer, beat the room-temperature butter for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until combined. Add flour and mix just until a dough forms to avoid toughness. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until set but not browned. This pre-baking prevents sogginess.
- Prepare the Apple Filling and Crisp Topping: While the base bakes, toss peeled and sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to absorb moisture. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour and brown sugar, then add melted butter and knead with fingers until crumbly like coarse breadcrumbs. Using freshly ground cinnamon enhances the flavor.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars: When the shortbread base is done, increase oven temperature to 350°F. Sprinkle half the streusel topping over the warm base, gently pressing it to adhere. Spread the apple filling evenly over this layer, then top with the remaining crumb mixture evenly. Bake for 30 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Cool and Set the Bars: Remove pan from oven and cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours to allow bars to set. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting to firm up the shortbread for cleaner slices. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for neat edges.
Notes
- Use freshly ground cinnamon for more vibrant flavor in the filling and topping.
- Pre-baking the shortbread base prevents a soggy bottom from apple moisture.
- Chill bars before slicing to ensure clean cuts and better texture.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper to easily lift the bars out for serving.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keywords: apple crisp bars, shortbread, homemade apple dessert, fall dessert, streusel topping, apple crumble bars
