These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a tasty treat with layers of buttery shortbread, sweet apples, and a crunchy topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack!
The best part? You can enjoy them warm or cold—either way, they disappear quickly! I love serving them with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for a rich shortbread taste. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce any added salt in the recipe. I enjoy using grass-fed butter for extra flavor.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add tartness, which balances the sweetness. You can mix them with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. If fresh apples aren’t available, use canned pie filling—just drain it well!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is used for that caramel-like flavor in the crumble topping. You can substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper taste, or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping adds crunch and a delightful texture. To make it perfect, take care to keep your butter cold. Here’s how:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix in the cold butter quickly, making sure not to overwork it. You want sandy crumbs, not a dough.
- Don’t worry if there are some larger chunks; they’ll bake up crispy.
Make sure to sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples to ensure every bite is delicious!
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 45-50 minutes for baking. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely—this might take about 30 minutes. So, total time is around 1.5 hours. It’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This helps with easy removal later!
2. Make the Shortbread Base:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, mix in the flour and salt just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix!
3. Bake the Base:
Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a nice level layer. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it begins to turn golden brown.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the shortbread base is baking, get to work on the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
5. Layer the Apples:
When the shortbread base is done baking, take it out of the oven and layer the spiced apple mixture evenly over the top. Make sure to distribute the apples so every bite has that delicious apple flavor!
6. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Then, cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; it’s okay if some chunks are larger.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple layer. This will give your bars that perfect crunchy texture!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the apples are tender.
9. Cool and Dust:
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This should take about 30 minutes. After cooling, dust the top with powdered sugar for that lovely finishing touch.
10. Cut and Serve:
Cut the cooled bars into squares or rectangles and serve. For an extra treat, enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars!
These bars are a cozy, delightful dessert that elevate any occasion—perfect for sharing with family and friends during the fall, or whenever you crave some apple goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can mix them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balanced flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the filling if your apples are very sweet.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire recipe a day in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge once they’ve cooled completely. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them well if freezing!
Can I Substitute Gluten-Free Flour?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still turn out delicious!
