Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

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!