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 8×8 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!
