Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines buttery goodness with the sweetness of apricots, then this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe is just what you need! These bars are not only simple to make but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet addition to family gatherings. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy kitchen where the scents of baking fill the air. Trust me, they won’t last long!

These Apricot Shortbread Bars have quickly become a favorite in my household. With their crumbly shortbread crust and luscious apricot filling, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Plus, they are so easy to prepare that you can whip them up even on the busiest of days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires no complicated techniques—just simple mixing and baking!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike adore these sweet and tangy bars.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare these bars in advance for events or keep them on hand for an after-school snack.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apricots, butter, and a hint of almond makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• 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 highly recommended for depth of flavor)
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and textures. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Substitute dried apricots with dried peaches or cherries for a different twist.
• Spice it Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and complexity.
• Make it Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and flaxseed meal as an egg replacement.

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 gentle simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Letting it simmer allows the apricots to soften beautifully. After about 15-20 minutes on low heat, most of the liquid should be absorbed. Stir in fresh lemon juice and almond extract if you’re using it—this adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter; cut it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs—this gives us that delightful shortbread texture.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of your shortbread dough mixture for topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a firm crust. Spread that gorgeous cooled apricot filling over your crust, leaving about a quarter-inch border around the edges.

Step 4: Crumble and Bake

Crumble the reserved shortbread dough evenly over the top of your apricot filling. Bake everything in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top—the edges should look lightly browned too! You’ll know it’s ready when you see some bubbling from the filling.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Remove your pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack—trust me on this one! If you cut them while warm, they’ll fall apart. Cooling lets everything set nicely so you can slice through with ease later on. Once cooled completely—after at least two hours—you can lift those beautiful bars out using parchment paper overhangs or simply cut them right in the pan.

Enjoy these delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars as an afternoon snack or dessert! They’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Creating the perfect Apricot Shortbread Bars is a delightful journey that can be enhanced with just a few simple tips!

• Use cold butter: Keeping your butter cold helps create that flaky, tender texture in the shortbread crust. The small pieces of butter will melt during baking, creating air pockets that keep the bars light and crumbly.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the delicate shortbread you desire.

• Cool completely before cutting: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool fully before slicing helps them hold their shape and ensures a clean cut, preventing crumbles.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust the lemon juice or almond extract according to your taste. A splash of orange juice or zest can also add a lovely citrusy brightness to the apricot filling.

• Store properly: Keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to layer parchment paper between bars if stacking!

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

These delectable Apricot Shortbread Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. Here are some ideas on how to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the apricot flavor.

• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few fresh mint leaves as a garnish brings a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the dessert beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tangy apricot filling, adding richness and balance.

• Greek yogurt with honey: For a lighter option, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. The tartness of the yogurt contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the bars.

• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, can enhance your experience while enjoying these bars, providing warmth and comfort.

• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad on the side adds brightness and additional textures that complement the chewy apricot filling perfectly.

By incorporating these serving suggestions into your next gathering or family treat time, you’re sure to impress everyone who takes a bite of these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, and they store wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating them for added freshness.
• For longer storage, keep the bars in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles before freezing for easy access later.
• Place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• If you’d like to warm them up, place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried in this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

Fresh apricots won’t work as well because they have higher moisture content. Stick with dried apricots for the best results!

What can I substitute if I don’t have almond extract for my Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

If you’re out of almond extract, you can simply omit it or substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract. It will still taste delicious!

How do I know when my Apricot Shortbread Bars are done baking?

The topping should be golden brown and the edges lightly browned. You may also notice the filling bubbling slightly.

Can I make these shortbread bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these scrumptious Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re not only easy to prepare but also bring a wonderful burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them yourself, they’re sure to brighten your day. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and sweetness!