Description
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a delicious combination of buttery shortbread, sweet cinnamon apples, and a crisp topping, creating the perfect treat for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- These bars can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based butter and an egg substitute.
- Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for added texture.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Try different fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
