The aroma of baked apples and buttery shortbread fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm hug of comfort. These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic journey back to grandma’s kitchen, where every bite felt like a sweet memory.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base topped with spiced apples and crunchy oat crumble. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply needing a pick-me-up after a long day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars offer simple preparation that even novice bakers can tackle
- The flavor combination of sweet apples and buttery shortbread is unbeatable
- Their golden-brown appearance makes them irresistible on any dessert table
- Versatile enough for brunch or dessert, they’ll please everyone from kids to grandparents
I vividly remember the first time I made these bars; my family devoured them faster than I could take pictures!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our shortbread, providing that perfect crumble; I always use unbleached for better flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s cold and cubed for the best texture in your crust.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples; brown sugar can be used for extra flavor.
Brown Sugar: This gives depth and richness to the filling; don’t skip it!
Rolled Oats: They add that delightful crunch topping; choose old-fashioned oats for best results.
Apples (Granny Smith recommended): Tart apples work best here, enhancing the overall flavor; peel and slice them thinly.
Cinnamon: Just a sprinkle adds warmth and familiarity; feel free to adjust according to taste.
Salt: A pinch elevates all flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Create the Shortbread Base: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Bake the Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt edges!
Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, peel and slice your apples thinly. Toss them in brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated—your kitchen will smell heavenly.
Add Topping: In another bowl, mix rolled oats with melted butter and a bit of flour until crumbly. Spread this mixture over the apple layer once your crust has cooled slightly.
Bake Again: Return everything to the oven for another 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. Your patience will be rewarded with an aroma so good that neighbors might come knocking!
Let cool completely before slicing into bars—trust me; they’re best enjoyed once they’ve had time to set!
And there you have it: Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars that are sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every last crumb because you deserve it!
You Must Know
- Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars blend buttery shortbread with spiced apple filling, creating a delightful treat
- The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
- Serve warm with ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the shortbread base; this ensures perfect crispiness and even baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or add nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect balance of flavors, use a mix of sweet and tart apples
- Always let the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid a messy presentation
- Don’t skip the sprinkle of sea salt; it really enhances the sweetness
I still remember the first time I made these bars for a family gathering; everyone devoured them, leaving me with just crumbs and compliments!
FAQ
What type of apples works best for Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars?
Using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives great flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for delicious results.
How do I ensure my shortbread stays crispy?
Allowing the shortbread to cool completely prevents it from becoming soggy after baking.
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars combine the comforting flavors of buttery shortbread and spiced baked apples, creating a delightful dessert that evokes warm memories of grandma’s kitchen. These bars feature a crumbly base topped with a crunchy oat crumble, making them perfect for any occasion from brunch to dessert. Easy to prepare, they promise to impress and satisfy everyone from kids to grandparents.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the shortbread base by mixing flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, toss sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine rolled oats with melted butter and remaining flour until crumbly. Layer over spiced apples on the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 46g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, try mixing sweet apples like Honeycrisp with tart varieties like Granny Smith. - Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
