Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Delightful bars featuring buttery shortbread topped with sweet, spiced apples and a crispy layer, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature Provides moisture and richness
- ¼ cup sugar Adds sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor
- ¼ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Forms the base
For the filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced Adds fruitiness and moisture
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour Thickens the apple mixture
- 2 Tablespoons sugar Adds sweetness to the apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and spice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds depth of flavor
For the topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour For the topping
- ¾ cup brown sugar Contributes sweetness and chewiness
- ¼ cup butter, melted or room temp to cut in Binds the topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter on high for 5 minutes until it turns white, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in sugar, vanilla, and salt until well incorporated.
- Add flour and stir well to form a dough-like consistency.
- Press the mixture into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
Filling
- Mix apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until the apples are evenly coated.
Topping
- Mix flour and brown sugar, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- Layer half of the topping on the crust, then the apples, then the rest of the topping.
Baking
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly filling and a golden topping.
- Allow to cool and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
Use firm apples for slicing, and do not skip cooling before cutting. Keep an eye on the topping to prevent over-browning.