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Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Delicious Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars for Comforting Moments

These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars blend buttery shortbread with warm, cinnamon-enhanced apples for a deliciously comforting treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Base
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Ensure softened for easy mixing
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Can partially replace with coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Light or dark can be used interchangeably
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Prefer pure vanilla for better flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Sea salt or kosher salt are great choices
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda Do not substitute with baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Can replace with apple pie spice
For the Apple Filling
  • 4 cups Diced Apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties work well
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Can substitute with lime juice
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Rolled Oats Use certified gluten-free oats if needed
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (optional) Pecans or walnuts add richness
  • 1 tablespoon Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture (optional) Mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 2 tablespoons sugar

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing or lining it.
  2. Cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually incorporate the flour, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  4. Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  5. In a bowl, combine diced apples with lemon juice and ground cinnamon, then toss to coat the apples evenly. Spread them over the shortbread base.
  6. Crumble the remaining dough into a bowl and mix with rolled oats and optional chopped nuts. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apples bubble slightly. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.
  8. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before slicing.
  9. Cut the cooled bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy warm or with a scoop of ice cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for optimal flavor. Adjust sweetness based on apple type and store bars in an airtight container.

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