Craving something cozy, buttery, and bursting with spiced apple goodness? Let us introduce you to your new favorite fall treat: Apple Shortbread Bars! These babies are basically a mashup of Shortbread Apple Pie and crumble-topped Apple Streusel Bars, baked into easy-to-serve squares. Yup—your holiday dessert table just got a serious upgrade.
We’re talking layers here: a buttery shortbread crust pie base, soft cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping that’ll make your kitchen smell like a dream. They’re basically the love child of Apple Cake Bars and Apple Pie Cookie Bars, and they taste just as amazing as they sound.
Need a dessert you can prep ahead? Boom—these bars are totally make-ahead friendly. Chill ’em in the fridge for up to 5 days, or—FYI—they’re also epic freezable dessert bars. Just wrap ’em tight (we’re talkin’ plastic wrap and foil) and you’re good for a whole month. Sweet, right?
Pro tip: Let the bars cool completely before cutting for that clean slice satisfaction. Oh, and if you’re into recipes with shortbread crust or looking for a killer shortbread pie crust filling, this one’s a total win.
Ready to bake your way into dessert glory? Let’s do this.
Delicious Apple Shortbread Bars - A Must-Try Dessert Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Layer:
- 1¾ cups (219 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch
- ⅔ cup (150 g) superfine sugar*
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 Granny Smith apples (about 3½ cups when sliced), peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ cup (62.5 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (67 g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven
Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make That Buttery Shortbread
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Drop in the butter cubes. Using clean hands (or a pastry blender), work the butter into the flour until it forms coarse, sandy crumbs. It should look pale yellow and hold together when pinched.
Firmly press the dough into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Poke the dough all over with a fork (this helps it bake evenly). Pop it into the oven for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Toss Together the Apple Filling
While the shortbread bakes, throw your sliced apples into a bowl. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until every apple is coated in that sweet-spicy goodness.
Step 4: Whip Up the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes, then use a fork (or your fingers) to cut the butter into the mix until it resembles chunky wet sand—those clumps are gold!
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Take the crust out of the oven after its 15-minute bake. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the top. Then scatter the crumble topping generously over the apples.
Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 6: Chill & Slice
Let everything cool to room temp, then transfer the pan to the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours so the bars firm up and slice cleanly. (Trust us—it’s worth the wait.)
Welcome to Mariasskitchen.com! I’m Maria Tarrant, the proud owner and passionate curator of this website. As an avid lover of all things dessert, baking, and traveling, I’ve combined my passions to create a platform where I can share my culinary adventures and inspirations with you. From decadent cakes to scrumptious cookies, this website is a haven for dessert enthusiasts looking to explore the sweet side of life.
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