Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to remove the bars from the pan once they’re fully baked and cooled.
2. Make the Shortbread Base: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the dough comes together. The texture should be soft and smooth, but firm enough to press into the pan. Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan, making sure the base is smooth and compact. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the shortbread are lightly golden. Once done, set the base aside to cool slightly while you prepare the apple layer.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the shortbread base is cooling, peel and thinly slice 4 medium Granny Smith apples. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. The flour helps thicken any juice that may come out of the apples as they bake, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth of flavor. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. Layer this apple mixture evenly over the slightly cooled shortbread crust.
4. Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. Pour 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter over the dry mixture and stir until the butter is fully incorporated, and the mixture forms coarse crumbs. These crumbs will create a delicious, crunchy topping as the bars bake.
5. Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple layer, making sure the apples are completely covered. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble topping is golden brown. The bars will have a lovely aroma of cinnamon and apples as they bake. Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Slice and Serve: After the bars have cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into squares. These apple crisp shortbread bars are perfect for serving at fall gatherings or as a cozy dessert after dinner. Enjoy them on their own or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

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