Name: Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487938H57M40S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are the perfect combination of buttery shortbread, sweet cinnamon apples, and a crisp topping that bakes into a golden perfection. These bars are a delicious treat for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to everyday dessert cravings. The balance of textures—crispy, crumbly, and tender—makes them incredibly satisfying and easy to enjoy. Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most about these Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars is how simple yet impressive they are. The buttery shortbread base provides the perfect foundation for the juicy apples, while the crumble topping gives it a delightful crunch. The combination of sweet apples and cinnamon adds a warming flavor, making them a cozy treat. I can easily make them ahead of time, and they stay fresh for several days, which is great for snacking or sharing with friends and family. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, perfect for any time of year but especially delicious in the fall when apples are at their peak!

Ingredients

For the shortbread crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the apple filling:

4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the crumble topping:

½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the shortbread crust. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and sticks together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated.
Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
For the crumble topping, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 bars. The total baking time is around 50-60 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes to cool before cutting. The prep time is roughly 15 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy treat to whip up.

Variations

Fruit variations: Instead of apples, I can use pears, peaches, or even berries for a different flavor profile.
Nutty topping: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping can give it extra texture and a nutty flavor.
Spiced up: For an added kick, I can increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling or topping.
Gluten-Free: I can easily make these bars gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars store beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If I want to keep them longer, I can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, I simply place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave them for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought shortbread for this recipe?

While I can use store-bought shortbread in a pinch, I highly recommend making the shortbread crust from scratch for the best flavor and texture. The homemade crust is buttery and perfectly complements the apple filling.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

I prefer to use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness of the crumble topping. However, any apple variety that bakes well will work, so feel free to use what you have on hand.

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the apple filling the day before and store it in the fridge. This can save time when I’m ready to assemble the bars. Just make sure to give it a good stir before adding it to the crust.

How do I know when the bars are done?

I know the bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If I insert a toothpick into the filling, it should come out with some soft apple bits on it but not be wet.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make these bars vegan, I can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg or other egg substitute in the shortbread crust. For the crumble topping, I can ensure the oats are certified gluten-free and use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of the brown sugar.

Conclusion

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves desserts that combine sweet and savory elements. The buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and crisp topping create a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that is perfect for any time of the year. I love how simple they are to make and how they disappear quickly whenever I serve them. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a special dessert, these bars are always a hit!