Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe is one I treasure, as it combines buttery shortbread with a luscious apricot filling. Each bite feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need a delightful dessert for busy weeknights, these bars are sure to please everyone at the table.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can whip it up quickly, and it makes for an excellent make-ahead option. Plus, the combination of flavors and textures will have your friends asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to follow.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these sweet bars, making them perfect for family gatherings or after-school snacks.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time! They store well in the fridge, so you can enjoy them whenever you need a treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of buttery shortbread and tangy apricot filling creates a flavorful experience that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe:

For the 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 variations to consider:

• Add Different Fruits: Substitute dried apricots with other fruits like peaches or cherries for a different flavor profile.
• Experiment with Nuts: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch.
• Make it Citrus-y: Try adding orange zest to the apricot filling for a bright twist.
• Use Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crust can add warmth and depth.

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 starts simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This step softens the apricots beautifully! Stir occasionally—this prevents any sticking. Once tender and most liquid absorbed, stir in lemon juice and almond extract if you’re using it. Allow this delicious filling to cool slightly while you work on 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 makes removal easy later on! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Now comes the fun part: add in those cold cubed butter pieces! Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to mix until everything looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter bits left intact. This will give your crust that lovely chewy texture!

Step 3: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 1½ to 2 cups of that crumbly dough mixture for topping. Next, firmly press down the remaining dough evenly into your prepared pan; you want an even base here! Spread your cooled apricot filling over this crust—leave about a quarter-inch border around the edges if you can manage it.

Step 4: Bake Away!

Crumble that reserved shortbread dough over your apricot filling evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes until everything is golden brown on top with bubbling edges. The aroma will be incredible!

Step 5: Let It Cool Completely

This is key—remove your pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Patience pays off here! Cutting while warm leads to crumbly chaos; letting it cool allows everything to set beautifully. Give it at least 2-3 hours at room temperature—or toss it in the fridge after an hour if you’re eager! When ready, lift out using parchment overhangs if used; cut into squares or bars as desired.

Enjoy every delightful bite of these Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re sure to become a favorite in no time!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

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

• Use Cold Butter – Starting with cold butter is crucial as it helps create that wonderful flaky texture in the shortbread. Warm butter can lead to a dense, greasy crust.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough – When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture rather than a tender and crumbly base.

• Let Them Cool Completely – Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely helps the filling set properly and makes cutting much easier without crumbling.

• Adjust Sweetness to Taste – Dried apricots vary in sweetness; taste your filling before baking and adjust the sugar accordingly. This ensures a balanced flavor that suits your palate.

• Experiment with Flavors – Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or filling for an extra layer of flavor. A little creativity can take your bars to the next level!

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

These lovely apricot shortbread bars are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Fresh Mint Leaves – Adding a few fresh mint leaves on top creates a vibrant contrast and enhances the visual appeal.
• Lemon Zest – A sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest not only looks beautiful but also complements the apricot’s sweetness with its citrusy brightness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the bars, making for a comforting dessert experience.
• Greek Yogurt with Honey – The tanginess of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the shortbread bars.
• Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds freshness and color, creating a lovely contrast against the rich flavors of the apricot bars.
• Herbal Tea or Coffee – Pairing these bars with a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee makes for a cozy afternoon treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• To warm the bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave a single bar for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe.

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

While this recipe is designed for dried apricots, you could experiment with fresh ones. Just ensure you adjust the sugar and cooking time, as fresh apricots have more moisture.

How do I make the Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I replace butter with a dairy-free alternative in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

How long do the Apricot Shortbread Bars last?

When stored properly, they will last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars! Their buttery crust paired with sweet apricot filling creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to come back and share how yours turned out!