Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings a little sunshine to your day, then this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe is just what you need! These delightful bars are a family favorite in my home, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a luscious apricot filling. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it great for everything from busy weeknights to festive gatherings with friends. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

These bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet during your afternoon break, these Apricot Shortbread Bars are sure to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few straightforward steps, you can create these delicious bars without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet apricot filling and crumbly shortbread crust—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare these bars in advance and store them for a tasty treat ready whenever you need it.
• Customizable Flavor: The addition of lemon juice and almond extract elevates the flavor profile, making each bite memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry!

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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Try Other Fruits: Swap out apricots for peaches or cherries depending on what you have on hand.
• Mix in Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the filling.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water.

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 simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the apricots become tender. This step is important as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks! After cooking, remove from heat and add fresh lemon juice and optional almond extract for that bright flavor boost.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, add those cold cubes of butter into the mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that lovely crumbly texture we love in shortbread!

Step 3: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of the shortbread dough for topping later. Press the remaining dough evenly into your prepared pan—this forms the base of your bars! Spread that cooled apricot filling over it carefully; leaving a small border around the edges helps keep everything together when baked.

Step 4: Bake It Up!

Now it’s time for that topping! Crumble your reserved shortbread dough over the apricot filling evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on those edges; they should be lightly browned too!

Step 5: Cool Before Cutting

Remove your pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. I know it’s tempting to dive right in while they’re still warm—but patience is key here! If you cut them too soon, they may crumble apart. Letting them cool allows everything to set nicely.

Once cooled completely (this might take about 2-3 hours), lift them out using parchment paper if you used it. Cut them into squares or bars using a sharp knife—cleaning between cuts will give you those pretty edges we all want!

Enjoy sharing these delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars with family and friends; they’re sure to become as beloved in your home as they are in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Making these Apricot Shortbread Bars is a delightful experience, and with just a few pro tips, you can elevate your baking game!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps achieve the perfect flaky texture in your shortbread. It prevents the butter from melting before baking, ensuring a light and tender crust.

• Don’t rush the cooling process: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan helps set the filling and makes them easier to cut. Patience is key for clean, beautiful squares that hold their shape!

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Since dried apricots can vary in sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. This way, you can create a balance that suits your palate perfectly.

• Experiment with flavor: Adding a hint of almond extract or even a touch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile of your bars. These subtle additions bring out the natural fruitiness of the apricots.

• Cut with a warm knife: For cleaner cuts, run your knife under hot water before slicing into the bars. This technique helps prevent crumbling and gives you those picture-perfect edges.

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether it’s for an afternoon tea or a family dessert, here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint not only provides a pop of color but also offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a vegan-friendly option, serve with whipped coconut cream for added creaminess that complements the apricot filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture and rich flavor of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tartness of apricots, creating a delightful contrast.
• Greek yogurt with honey: A dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey adds tangy goodness that balances well with the sweetness of the shortbread bars.
• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits enhances your dessert table while offering a fresh taste that offsets the richness of the bars.
• Chai tea: Serving these bars alongside a warm cup of chai tea can create cozy vibes, making for an inviting treat during chilly evenings.

Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them, making them a great treat to have on hand for snacks or desserts throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, 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. Just make sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• If you prefer your bars warm, simply pop them 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 until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute dried peaches, cranberries, or even figs for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sweetness as needed based on your chosen fruit.

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

The key is to not overmix your dough after adding the wet ingredients. When mixing, stop as soon as it starts coming together. This will help maintain that delightful crumbly texture!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

How long do these bars need to cool before cutting?

It’s best to let the bars cool completely for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature. This allows the filling to set properly and makes cutting easier.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Apricot Shortbread Bars as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing with friends and family, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and joy!