Bite into the decadence of these Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars. With a buttery shortbread base, tender spiced apple filling, and a crumbly crisp topping, they're the perfect marriage of a classic apple crisp and a shortbread cookie.
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Instructions:
1. Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350º F. Prep your 8x8 pan by lining it with parchment paper. Ensure the paper has extensions over the edges, making it easier to lift out the finished bars. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a sizable mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until achieving a light and fluffy texture, roughly 2-3 minutes. Incorporate vanilla extract. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough attains a crumbly consistency.
- Transfer the dough to your prepared pan, pressing it down uniformly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes or until it's slightly puffed. Once done, remove and set aside, but maintain the oven's temperature.
2. Apple Filling:
- Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples. Using an apple peeler/corer can significantly expedite this process. Once done, transfer apple slices to a large bowl. Add in the flour and sugar, stirring until every apple slice is well-coated. Layer these slices over your pre-baked shortbread crust.
3. Crisp Topping:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the first five ingredients (sugars, flour, cinnamon, and salt). Introduce the chilled butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, work the butter into the dry mix until you have a crumbly texture. Distribute this topping evenly over your apple layer.
4. Baking Time:
- Bake at 350º F for approximately 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping takes on a golden hue, and the apple mixture bubbles.
- Allow it to cool. Using the parchment paper's overhangs, lift out the apple crisp from the pan. Cut it into desired bar sizes.
5. Serving:
- These bars are a treat served on their own or with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. Enjoy!
