Homemade Apple Shortbread Bars
These apple shortbread bars feature a tender shortbread base topped with sautéed apples and a delightful crumble, making for a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- ¼ cup cornstarch adds tenderness
- ⅔ cup superfine sugar sweetens the base
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt enhances flavor
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed creates a tender texture
Apple Filling
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced adds moisture and flavor
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed adds deep sweetness
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour binds apple filling
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon imparts warmth
Crumble Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour for crumble texture
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed sweetens the crumble
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon enhances flavor
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cubed adds richness to crumble
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, superfine sugar, and kosher salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture and mix by hand until the dough becomes light yellow and small crumbs form.
- Press the shortbread mixture firmly into the lined baking dish and pierce the dough with a fork to release steam.
- Bake the shortbread crust for 15 minutes until a very light golden color.
Preparing the Filling
- While the crust is baking, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Stir well to ensure the apples are fully coated.
Crumble Topping
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping.
- Mix in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
Assembly and Baking
- Remove the shortbread crust from the oven and layer it with the prepared apple mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and apples are bubbling slightly.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then chill them in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.
Notes
For an added layer of sweetness, consider drizzling the bars with caramel before serving.