Description
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. With a buttery shortbread base, sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, these bars offer a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the tartness of apples create an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
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 (for topping)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted or room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a stand mixer until fluffy. Gradually add flour to form dough.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated.
- For the topping, combine flour and brown sugar in a bowl, then cut in melted butter until crumbly.
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Layer half the crumble on the baked crust, followed by the apple mixture and remaining crumble on top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra treat.