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Caramelized Apple Shortbread Bars

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Caramelized Apple Shortbread Bars are a layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crisp crumble topping. This treat combines the comforting essence of apple pie with the convenience of a bar dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 4 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add flour and salt to the butter mixture and mix until crumbly.
  4. Press dough into prepared baking dish to form the shortbread base. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. Meanwhile, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
  6. In a skillet, melt a little butter and sauté apples until soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  7. Spread caramelized apple mixture evenly over baked shortbread base.
  8. Mix reserved dough crumbs with a little sugar and sprinkle over the apples.
  9. Bake again for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch.
  • Use pears or a mix of fruits for variation.
  • Drizzle with caramel or serve with ice cream.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • Freeze up to 3 months, wrapped tightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/caramelized-apple-shortbread-bars/