Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe offers a delightful blend of buttery shortbread and sweet apricot filling. These bars are perfect for any occasion, be it a casual gathering or a festive celebration. With their rich flavor and textured crust, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, they are easy to make and can be prepared in advance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of sweet apricots and rich butter creates a mouthwatering treat.
• Versatile Treat – Perfect as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast option with coffee or tea.
• Simple to Prepare – With straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow.
• Make Ahead – These bars store well, making them great for meal prep or special occasions.
• Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness of the filling based on your taste preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Apricot Shortbread Bars, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry blender (or food processor)
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Medium saucepan
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Pastry blender – Helps achieve the perfect crumbly texture for your shortbread.
• Baking pan – A sturdy pan ensures even baking and easy removal of the bars.
• Sharp knife – For clean cuts that maintain the integrity of each bar.

Ingredients

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

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 to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally.
• Once simmering, reduce heat to low; cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat; add fresh lemon juice, optional almond extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Allow cooling slightly; blend if desired for smoother consistency.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Make the Shortbread Crust

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add cold cubed butter; cut into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a small bowl, lightly beat egg with vanilla extract; add to flour mixture.
• Mix just until dough starts to come together—avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

• Reserve about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of shortbread dough for topping.
• Press remaining dough evenly into bottom of prepared baking pan.
• Spread cooled apricot filling evenly over crust.

Step 5: Bake Your Bars

• Crumble reserved dough over apricot filling evenly.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown with lightly browned edges.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

• Remove from oven; let cool completely on a wire rack—this may take at least 2-3 hours.
• Once cooled, lift bars from pan using parchment paper overhang if used.
• Cut into squares or bars using a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Enjoy your delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe as a delightful treat!

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Serving your Apricot Shortbread Bars can elevate any gathering or sweet treat moment. These delightful bars can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a burst of color and a contrasting tartness.
• Raspberries – Their tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the apricots beautifully.
• Sliced Kiwi – The vibrant green provides a striking visual alongside the bars.

With Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds richness.
• Coconut Whipped Cream – For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream for a tropical twist.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Selection – Pair with mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a savory contrast.
• Chocolate Dipped Fruit – Adding chocolate-dipped fruits creates an indulgent experience.

How to Perfect Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Perfecting your Apricot Shortbread Bars involves paying attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out just right.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it hold its shape better during baking.
• Use Cold Butter – Cold butter creates flakier shortbread; avoid letting it soften too much before mixing.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined; overworking the dough can lead to tough bars.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting – Allowing them to cool ensures cleaner cuts and prevents crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Apricot Shortbread Bars can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings sweetness and smooth texture.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
3. Greek Yogurt with Honey – The tanginess of yogurt complements the flavors while honey adds sweetness.
4. Mint Tea – A refreshing mint tea serves as a light beverage option that pairs beautifully.
5. Lemon Sorbet – The citrusy sorbet offers a refreshing contrast to the rich shortbread.
6. Coffee or Espresso – A cup of coffee enhances the flavors, making it an excellent pairing for afternoon treats.
7. Almond Biscotti – Crunchy biscotti provide an additional texture element that works well with the bars.
8. Chai Latte – The warm spices in chai complement the apricot filling, rounding out your dessert experience perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe, it’s important to be aware of some common pitfalls that can affect your results.

• Overmixing the dough – Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough shortbread. Gently combine until just incorporated for a tender texture.
• Skipping the cooling step – Cutting the bars while warm can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for easier slicing and better structure.
• Not adjusting sweetness – Dried apricots vary in sweetness. Taste your filling and adjust sugar accordingly for the best flavor balance.
• Using warm butter – Ensure your butter is cold when mixing. This helps create a flaky texture in the crust.
• Ignoring baking times – Keep an eye on the oven; every oven is different. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, rather than relying solely on time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Warm individual bars for about 15-20 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop – Place a bar in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe that may help you as you prepare this delightful treat.

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

Fresh apricots can be used, but they will require additional cooking time and adjustments in sugar due to their higher water content.

How do I know when my Apricot Shortbread Bars are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top with bubbling filling around the edges. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to try other dried fruits like peaches or cherries for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

What should I do if my filling is too thick?

If your filling is too thick, add a splash of water or fruit juice while blending it again until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

The Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. These bars make a fantastic treat for any occasion, and you can customize them by adding nuts or spices. Try it out and enjoy these delightful sweet bites!