Caramelized Apple Shortbread Bars

Caramelized Apple Shortbread Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced caramelized apples and a crisp crumble. These bars offer a comforting blend of textures and warm autumnal flavors, making them perfect for holidays or any cozy gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines a soft, crumbly shortbread base with rich, syrupy apples.
• Offers the perfect balance between sweet and spiced.
• Easy to prepare in advance and great for sharing.
• A wonderful alternative to traditional apple pie.
• Can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add flour and a pinch of salt to form a crumbly dough.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the shortbread base. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. While the base is baking, peel and slice the apples. Toss them in lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
6. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the apples until they are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
7. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked shortbread base.
8. In a small bowl, mix together reserved shortbread dough crumbs with a bit of sugar and sprinkle over the apple layer.
9. Return to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–16 bars
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Use pears or a mix of apples and berries for a fruity twist.
• Drizzle with salted caramel or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the bars.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored covered in the fridge.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s optional based on preference.

Can I freeze the bars?

Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use store-bought shortbread for the base?

Homemade yields better texture and flavor, but crushed shortbread cookies mixed with butter could work in a pinch.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or flour can be used as a thickening agent in the apple mixture.

Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, adjust the sugar to taste, especially in the apple and crumble layers.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

Only if storing longer than 2 days. Otherwise, they can stay at room temperature.

Can I use a food processor to make the dough?

Yes, a food processor can quickly mix the shortbread dough for convenience.

Conclusion

Caramelized Apple Shortbread Bars deliver all the flavor of a classic apple dessert with the convenience of a handheld treat. The layers of buttery shortbread and rich apple filling make these bars irresistible, whether served warm or cold. Perfect for holiday tables, picnics, or afternoon tea, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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