Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and buttery, then you’re in for a real treat with this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a hug in food form! The combination of a crumbly shortbread crust and luscious apricot filling makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or simply want to enjoy a cozy afternoon snack, these bars fit every occasion beautifully.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself making these time and time again. Plus, they’re great for meal prep—just bake a batch at the start of the week and enjoy them throughout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves the sweet apricot filling combined with buttery shortbread—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time for parties or pack them into lunchboxes as an easy dessert option.
• Deliciously versatile: The flavor can easily be adjusted with different fruit fillings or toppings to suit your taste.
• Comforting treat: These bars are perfect for cozy evenings or any time you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apricot Shortbread Bars is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you will need:

For the Shortbread Crust

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (340g or 3 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apricot Filling

• 2 cups (about 350-400g) dried apricots, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on apricot sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the fruit: Use dried peaches or cherries instead of apricots for a different flavor profile.
• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds into the filling for added crunch and richness.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread dough for an extra layer of warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free option.

How to Make Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dried apricots, water, and sugar. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once it’s bubbling gently, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the apricots are tender. This step is crucial because it softens the fruit and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After cooking, stir in lemon juice, almond extract if using, and salt before letting it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—this makes removal so much easier later! In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add those cold cubes of butter and mix until you achieve coarse crumbs. This texture is key; those little pieces of butter will create that tender shortbread we love!

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Reserve about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of your shortbread mixture for topping later. Press the remaining dough evenly into your prepared baking pan—it’s important to create an even crust here! Next, spread your cooled apricot filling over this base carefully while leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Add Topping and Bake

Now crumble that reserved shortbread dough over your apricot filling evenly. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye out; that bubbling filling means deliciousness is happening!

Step 5: Cool Before Cutting

Remove your lovely creation from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack—this step cannot be skipped! If you cut them while warm, they’ll crumble apart. After cooling for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature (or quicker in the fridge), lift them out using parchment paper if you used it. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife for clean lines.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Making these delicious apricot shortbread bars can be a joy, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that wonderfully flaky texture in your shortbread. It keeps the butter from melting into the flour before baking, allowing for those lovely layers.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined will keep your crust tender and crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, which we definitely want to avoid in a delicate dessert like this.
• Let the filling cool completely: Allowing the apricot filling to cool ensures it sets properly and won’t make your crust soggy. It also makes it easier to spread evenly without tearing the base.
• Be patient while cooling: Resist the urge to cut into the bars while they are still warm! Letting them cool completely allows the flavors to meld and prevents them from falling apart when you slice them.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your apricot filling for an extra layer of flavor. You could also try different extracts such as vanilla or orange for a unique twist!

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

These apricot shortbread bars are not only delightful on their own but can also be enhanced with simple garnishes and paired with complementary sides for a lovely presentation.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the tartness of the apricots.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint not only adds color but also brings a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet bars wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the chewy apricot filling, providing a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang that balances the sweetness of the bars nicely, making it a great option for a lighter dessert.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad featuring berries and citrus fruits will brighten up your plate and offer a refreshing palate cleanser alongside your sweet treat.
• Herbal tea: Serving these bars with a warm cup of herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying desserts. The lightness of herbal teas complements rather than overpowers the flavors of your bars.

Enjoy baking these scrumptious apricot shortbread bars, and savor every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store them, freeze them, and reheat if needed:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles before freezing for easy portioning.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy the bars warm, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried for the Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

While dried apricots provide a concentrated sweetness and texture that works beautifully in this recipe, you can use fresh apricots. If doing so, reduce the amount of water and sugar since fresh apricots contain more moisture.

What is the best way to cut the bars after making the Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

For clean cuts, allow your bars to cool completely. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent sticking. Chilling the bars slightly before cutting can also help achieve neat edges.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly but they will still be delicious!

How can I enhance the flavor of my Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

You can enhance their flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporating nuts such as almonds or walnuts into either the crust or topping.

Can I use other fruits instead of apricots?

Absolutely! Try using other dried fruits like peaches, cherries, or figs. Just keep an eye on sweetness levels and adjust sugar accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to bake these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re more than just a treat; they bring warmth and joy with every bite. Enjoy making them for yourself or sharing with loved ones—it’s sure to become a favorite! Happy baking!