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Apricot Shortbread Bars

Apricot Shortbread Bars: Buttery Bliss with a Sweet Twist

Enjoy these Apricot Shortbread Bars featuring a rich, crumbly shortbread base paired with a sweet-tart apricot filling. Perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Base
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
  • 0.75 cups Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes) Cold for best results.
  • 1 Large Egg (lightly beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Apricot Filling
  • 2 cups Dried Apricots (roughly chopped) Can substitute with cherries or peaches.
  • 0.5 cups Water
  • 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar (for filling) Adjust to the apricots' sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional) Can swap with another extract.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Pinch of Salt

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • whisk
  • Pastry Cutter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apricot Shortbread Bars
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dried apricots with water and granulated sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Stir in lemon juice and almond extract, then cool.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare for baking by having all ingredients ready.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in beaten egg and vanilla extract, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Reserve 1.5 to 2 cups of dough for topping and press the rest evenly into the bottom of the pan. Spread the cooled apricot filling on top, then crumble reserved dough over filling.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

For best results, use cold butter and don't overmix the dough. Experiment with different dried fruits for new flavors!

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