Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars are a tasty treat with a buttery shortbread base, topped with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping. They’re perfect for any dessert lover!
These bars are super easy to slice and serve, making them great for sharing. I always sneak a piece (or two) for breakfast. 🍏 You won’t regret bringing these to your next gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the shortbread and crumble topping. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You might lose a bit of texture but it will still be yummy!
Butter: I stick to unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the dish. If you’re in a pinch, you could substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness, balancing the sweetness. You can also mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste.
Brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor. Dark brown sugar works too, giving a richer taste. For a refined sugar alternative, coconut sugar is a great choice, though it may change the color slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Crust and Topping?
The shortbread crust and crumble topping should be crumbly yet stick together nicely. For the crust, make sure your butter is cold and cut it in thoroughly, but don’t overwork it. Aim for pea-sized crumbs! This way, you’ll have a nice buttery base.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt first, then add in cold butter.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create the right texture, then press into the pan with even pressure.
- For the topping, follow the same cutting method. It should have a similar crumbly texture to the crust.
Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups apples (about 3 medium apples), peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or another tart apple)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or apple juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 50-58 minutes for baking and cooling. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract, then press this dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust. Don’t forget to press it down firmly!
2. Bake the Crust:
Pop the pan in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are lightly golden. Once that’s done, remove it from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Make sure all the apples are well coated in the mixture—this will add flavor and help thicken the filling.
4. Spread Apple Filling:
Now, evenly distribute your apple mixture over the warm shortbread crust. It’s okay if some of the juices spill over; that will only add to the deliciousness!
5. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms crumbly clumps. This topping will give your dessert the crunchy texture we all love!
6. Top the Bars:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple layer, covering it fully for a delightful crunch on every bite.
7. Bake:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool:
Take the bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This might be the hardest part—waiting for them to cool! But it’s worth it.
9. Optional Glaze:
If you want a sweet finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or apple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this mixture over the cooled bars to make them extra special.
10. Serve:
Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars! They are perfect on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars have a buttery, crumbly base topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy oat crumble—delicious with a subtle glaze drizzled on top! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste. A mix of different apples also works great for added flavor depth!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make the Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!