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Apple Shortbread Bars

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Buttery apple shortbread bars with a crumbly crust, sweet spiced apple filling, and golden topping for a comforting and satisfying dessert.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
  3. Add butter and vanilla extract, then mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
  5. In a saucepan, combine apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into the apple mixture, and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Let cool slightly.
  7. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
  • Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
  • Mix in caramel sauce for a richer filling.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/apple-shortbread-bars/