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 cherished favorite in my kitchen. These bars are not only bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of apricots but also have a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dessert or planning for family gatherings, these bars fit right in. Trust me; they’ll impress your friends and family, and you might just end up being asked for the recipe!

What makes these apricot shortbread bars special is their simplicity and warmth. They remind me of sunny afternoons spent baking with loved ones. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe whenever I need something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these items in your pantry!
• Family-friendly: Kids love these bars, and they make a great snack option.
• Make ahead: Prepare them in advance, and they’ll stay fresh for days—perfect for meal prep!
• Versatile flavors: Customize the filling to suit your taste, whether you’re feeling fruity or nutty.
• Perfectly portable: These bars are easy to cut and pack for picnics or lunchboxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. You won’t find anything fancy here—just good old-fashioned staples that come together beautifully!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Mix fruits: Swap out apricots for dried peaches or cherries if you prefer.
• Spice it up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread for warmth.
• Chocolate drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate after cooling for an indulgent touch.

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 mix to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once it’s simmering, lower the heat, cover it up, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the apricots are tender and most liquid has been absorbed. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking! After removing from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice and almond extract if you’re using it. Let this delicious filling cool slightly while we work on our 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—trust me; this makes removal so much easier later! In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add those cold butter cubes next; using your fingertips or a pastry blender works best here. You want it to resemble coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining—that’s what gives us that lovely texture! In another bowl, lightly beat the egg with vanilla extract before adding it to your flour mixture. Mix gently until combined; we want it crumbly but cohesive.

Step 3: Assemble The Bars

Reserve about 1 ½ to 2 cups of your shortbread dough mixture for topping later on. Press down what’s left into an even layer at the bottom of your prepared pan—this creates our sturdy base! Now spread that cooled apricot filling evenly over this crust while leaving about a quarter-inch border around the edges.

Step 4: Add The Topping

Crumble that reserved shortbread dough over the top of your filling evenly—it adds such a delightful texture! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top; you might see some bubbling from the filling too!

Step 5: Cool Before Cutting

Once baked, carefully remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely—don’t rush this step! If you cut too soon while it’s warm, those beautiful bars won’t hold together well! Allow them at least 2-3 hours at room temperature or refrigerate after an hour if you’re feeling impatient. When fully cooled, lift them out using parchment paper overhangs if you used it. Cut into squares with a sharp knife; wiping between cuts gives you cleaner edges.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re sure to be a hit wherever you share them!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Making apricot shortbread bars can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create a flaky texture in your shortbread crust. It prevents the fat from melting into the flour too quickly, resulting in a tender yet crumbly base.

• Let the filling cool completely: This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. If the filling is warm when you spread it on the crust, it can make the crust soggy rather than letting it stay crisp.

• Chill before cutting: Allowing your bars to cool completely and even chilling them in the fridge before slicing will help achieve cleaner cuts. This makes for beautiful presentation and easier serving.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Dried apricots can vary in sweetness, so taste your filling before adding too much sugar. You can always adjust based on how sweet your apricots are, ensuring a balanced flavor.

• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to play around with spices or extracts! Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust can bring an exciting twist to this classic recipe.

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

These apricot shortbread bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Here’s how you can present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a charming touch and enhances the visual appeal without overpowering the flavors.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint placed next to your bars can add a pop of color and freshness, making your presentation more inviting.
• Sliced almonds: Scatter some sliced almonds over the top for added crunch and an elegant look that complements the apricot flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these bars, offering a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Greek yogurt with honey: A dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey provides a tangy balance to the sweetness of the bars while keeping things light.
• Herbal tea: Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint. The soothing flavors will enhance your dessert experience.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can brighten up your plate, providing a nice contrast to the rich shortbread bars.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll create an unforgettable dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time, making them an ideal treat for busy days or special occasions. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them properly.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for convenience.
• Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• If desired, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a slightly crispy texture, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

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

Fresh apricots would not work well in this recipe as they have high moisture content. Stick with dried apricots for a sweeter and thicker filling that holds its shape better.

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

To ensure your bars come out perfectly, make sure to cool them completely before cutting. This helps the filling set and keeps the shortbread from crumbling apart.

What can I substitute if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract on hand, simply leave it out or replace it with an equal amount of extra vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re not only simple to make but also bring a touch of sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends or savoring them all by yourself—after all, a little self-love is important too! Happy baking!