Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! This Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe is a family favorite that brings together the buttery goodness of shortbread and the sweet, tangy flavor of apricots. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, these bars are sure to impress everyone around the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create something that feels both comforting and indulgent. Trust me, once you taste these bars, you’ll want to keep them on hand for all your dessert cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers will shine when making these bars!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavors combined in this dessert; it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for an unexpected treat!
• Versatile Flavor: Whether served at parties or as an afternoon snack, these bars fit into any occasion seamlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create your delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars. Gather these goodies before diving into the fun of baking!

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 highly recommended for depth of flavor)
• Pinch of salt

Variations

What’s great about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Try Different Dried Fruits: Substitute dried apricots with dried peaches or cherries for a new twist.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
• Experiment with Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to your shortbread.
• Make it Vegan: Swap out butter for coconut oil and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of an egg.

How to Make Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apricot 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 simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the apricots are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step is important because it allows those apricots to soften and develop their sweet flavor! After removing from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, almond extract if using, and a pinch of salt. Let this cool while you make your crust.

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 helps ensure easy removal later! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Now add those cold butter cubes; cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until you have coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter left. This provides delightful texture in your bars!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a small bowl, lightly beat your egg along with vanilla extract. Add this mixture to your crumbly dough just until it starts coming together—don’t overmix! You want that lovely shortbread texture that crumbles slightly yet holds shape when pressed.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of that shortbread dough for topping later. Press the remaining dough evenly into your prepared pan—use either your fingers or a measuring cup’s bottom for an even base. Spread your cooled apricot filling evenly over this crust while leaving about a quarter-inch border around the edges.

Step 5: Bake

Crumble that reserved shortbread dough over your apricot filling generously. Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye out as those edges start turning lightly brown—this means they’re just about done!

Step 6: Cool Before Cutting

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack—the cooling part is crucial! If you cut them too early while still warm, they might crumble apart instead of forming perfect squares or bars. Once cooled completely—give it at least 2-3 hours—you can lift them out using parchment paper overhang if you used it. Cut them into squares or bars with a sharp knife for cleaner cuts.

Now that you’ve made these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe, get ready to share them—or enjoy every bite yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Creating the perfect Apricot Shortbread Bars can be a delightful process, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your bars turn out beautifully every time!

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and eggs helps maintain the flaky texture of the shortbread. This is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the dough, mix just until it holds together. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of the tender crumb we all love.

• Allow adequate cooling time: Patience is a virtue! Letting your bars cool completely before cutting ensures they set properly and won’t crumble when sliced.

• Experiment with filling sweetness: Adjust the sugar in your apricot filling according to your taste or the natural sweetness of the apricots. This personal touch can make a big difference in flavor.

• Consider adding spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling can enhance the flavors beautifully, giving your bars an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

These delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, presentation can elevate their charm!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top adds a lovely finishing touch and makes them look extra special.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few mint leaves placed alongside each bar provide a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet apricot flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tartness of apricots and will provide a delightful temperature contrast.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness while providing a creamy texture.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, offers a soothing balance to the sweetness of the bars and enhances the overall experience.
• Fresh fruit platter: Serve with slices of fresh fruits like peaches, berries, or apples for a colorful and nutritious complement that brings freshness to your dessert table.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or serve them at gatherings. They stay fresh and delicious for days, making them a great treat to have on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Keep a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If you prefer your bars warm, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual servings on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

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

While dried apricots provide concentrated sweetness and texture, you can use fresh apricots. However, you’ll need to adjust the sugar and cooking time as fresh fruits contain more moisture.

How do I ensure my Apricot Shortbread Bars turn out crumbly yet firm?

To achieve that perfect crumbly texture, make sure not to overmix the dough when combining ingredients. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting is key to achieving that desired firmness.

Can I substitute almond extract in my Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

Yes! If you’re not keen on almond extract or don’t have it on hand, you can either omit it or replace it with additional vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

What should I do if my apricot filling is too runny?

If your filling turns out runny, try simmering it a bit longer until it thickens. Adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water can also help thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars! Their sweet and buttery flavor will surely brighten your day or any gathering. Remember, each batch is made with love—and that’s what makes homemade treats so special. Enjoy every bite!