Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a little sunshine to your day, you’ve come to the right place! This Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the buttery goodness of shortbread with a sweet, tangy apricot filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these bars are as comforting as a warm hug.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll find that the ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: With just a few steps, you can create these delicious bars without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apricot filling combined with the crumbly shortbread.
• Make-ahead convenience: These bars store well in an airtight container, so you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them later.
• Deliciously versatile: You can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these Apricot Shortbread Bars. Don’t worry; you probably have most of these in your kitchen already!

For the Crust and Topping

• 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! Here are a few variations to consider if you want to mix things up:

• Swap the fruit: Use other dried fruits like peaches or cherries for a different flavor profile.
• Add nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts can add a lovely crunch to your shortbread topping.
• Infuse spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for some warm spice notes.
• Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple icing over the top after cooling for an extra sweet 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 mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover it up. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until those apricots become tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. After removing from heat, stir in the fresh lemon juice and almond extract if you’re using it—this really enhances the flavor! Allow this filling to cool slightly while we work on our crust.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add those cold butter cubes into your flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (or even a food processor), cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining—this will give us that delightful crumbly texture! In another small bowl, lightly beat your egg with vanilla extract and pour this into the flour-butter mixture. Mix just until everything starts coming together; remember not to overmix!

Step 3: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 1½ to 2 cups of that shortbread dough mixture for topping later on. Now press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan; use your fingers or a measuring cup for an even crust. Spread that cooled apricot filling evenly over this crust while leaving about a quarter-inch border around edges if you can.

Step 4: Bake Your Bars

Crumble that reserved shortbread dough evenly over your apricot filling—this creates that lovely topping! Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and lightly browned around edges. You’ll notice some bubbling from the filling too!

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Once baked perfectly, remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack—this step is super important! Cutting while warm will lead to crumbly chaos! Cooling allows everything to set nicely; this may take at least 2-3 hours at room temperature—or pop it in the fridge after an hour if you’re impatient like me! Once cool enough, lift those bars out using parchment overhang if used. Place on cutting board and cut into squares or bars using a sharp knife for cleaner cuts (a little chill helps here too!).

And there you have it—your very own batch of Apricot Shortbread Bars! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Making these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars is a joyful experience, and a few pro tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create that perfect crumbly texture in the shortbread. It prevents the butter from melting into the flour too quickly, ensuring a light and flaky crust.

• Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft or warm to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up again, making it easier to press and shape without sticking.

• Don’t skip cooling: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting is essential. This step helps the filling set properly, ensuring that your bars maintain their shape when you serve them.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust the flavor profile! Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can give your apricot filling an exciting twist. Just remember to keep it balanced so that apricot remains the star!

• Store properly: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they’re well-wrapped!

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some serving ideas that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness on top of each bar.
• Fresh mint leaves: A couple of fresh mint leaves on the side provide a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet apricots.
• Zest of lemon or orange: Grating some citrus zest over the bars just before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these bars, creating a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt complements the sweetness of the apricots while adding a healthy twist.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the shortbread bars, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.
• Tea or herbal infusions: Serving these bars with a cup of tea or herbal infusion enhances their flavor and makes for a cozy dessert moment.

No matter how you choose to serve these Apricot Shortbread Bars, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them away, and enjoy a sweet treat whenever you fancy.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to maintain their freshness.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• If you prefer warm bars, simply place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding the Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe:

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried apricots?

While this recipe is designed for dried apricots, you could try using fresh ones; however, you’ll need to adjust the water and sugar since fresh apricots have more moisture.

How long do these Apricot Shortbread Bars last?

When stored properly, your Apricot Shortbread Bars will last up to 3 days at room temperature or about 3 months in the freezer.

Can I substitute another type of fruit for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like peaches or figs. Just keep in mind that sweetness levels may vary.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

You can easily modify this by replacing the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). The butter can also be substituted with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re truly special with their buttery crust and fruity filling, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a snack for yourself or a treat to share with loved ones, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Enjoy every bite!