Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars: The Perfect Dessert for Any Season
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the buttery goodness of shortbread with sweet, spiced apples and a crunchy topping. This recipe is simple to follow, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether served warm or chilled, these bars bring a comforting touch to any gathering or cozy night in. With their seasonal appeal and versatility, you can enjoy them as a standalone treat, topped with whipped coconut cream, or drizzled with caramel sauce. Perfect for sharing at potlucks or family gatherings, Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and salt, then gradually add flour to form a dough. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- For the apple filling, toss sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- For the topping, combine flour with brown sugar and cut in melted butter until crumbly.
- After baking the crust, increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Layer half of the topping over the crust, add apple filling evenly, then top with remaining crumble. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow cooling completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours; cut into squares before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg