Description

These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are an elevated take on the classic fruit crisp, reimagined into a portable, buttery format. Featuring a dense, biscuit-like shortbread crust topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden crumb topping, these bars offer a harmonious balance of textures. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a hot cup of tea, this recipe captures the nostalgic essence of warm, homemade comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour (for base)
3 large firm apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for filling)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
3/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
1/4 cup butter, softened (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.
Cream the 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Stir in 1 cup flour until a dough forms and press evenly into a lined square baking pan.
Bake the base for about 15 minutes until set but not brown.
In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the par-baked shortbread base.
In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour and 3/4 cup brown sugar, then cut in the remaining 1/4 cup butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

Ensure apples are sliced thinly to guarantee they cook through completely within the suggested bake time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 285
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg