Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Delightful homemade bars featuring fresh apples, warm spices, and buttery shortbread, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Apple Filling
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture, blending until well combined.
- Press about half of this shortbread mixture into the prepared baking dish to create an even base.
Apple Layer
- In another bowl, mix the chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the shortbread base.
Crumble Topping
- In the same bowl used for the crust, add the oats and brown sugar to the remaining shortbread mixture. Mix well until combined.
- Crumble the oat mixture over the apple layer, covering it evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve as desired.
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Notes
For serving, consider pairing the bars with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week. Can also be frozen for up to three months.