Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right place! This Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The buttery shortbread crust combined with the sweet, tangy apricot filling creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, having friends over for coffee, or just want to indulge on a busy weeknight, these bars fit the bill perfectly.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Plus, they store well, making them perfect for meal prep or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple instructions, even beginner bakers can whip these up without any stress.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these sweet treats—perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them for busy days ahead.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and sweet apricots is a match made in heaven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe! Just grab some wholesome ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute dried apricots with other dried fruits like peaches or cherries for a unique twist.
• Flavor It Up: Experiment by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread mix for warmth.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to adapt this recipe!

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 everything to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once it’s simmering away happily, reduce the heat and cover it up. Let it cook low and slow for about 15-20 minutes until those apricots are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully! Stir in fresh lemon juice and almond extract afterward; let it cool slightly while you move on.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper—this helps with easy removal later! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add those cold butter cubes into the mixture. Cut them in until it resembles coarse crumbs; some pea-sized pieces should still remain. This texture gives us that lovely crumbly crust we adore! Lastly, mix in the beaten egg with vanilla until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 1½ to 2 cups of your dough mixture for topping later on. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—using your fingers or a measuring cup works great here! Spread that cooled apricot filling right over it. Leave about a quarter-inch border around the edges so we can seal everything in nicely.

Step 4: Bake Those Bars!

Now crumble that reserved shortbread dough over the apricot layer evenly—it adds such fun texture! Pop it into your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until everything is golden brown on top and bubbling slightly at the edges. Ahh, I can almost smell them from here!

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Once baked to perfection, let your pan cool on a wire rack completely—seriously, don’t rush this part! If you cut them while warm, they may crumble apart. Cooling allows everything to set beautifully. After about two hours at room temperature (or quicker if you pop them in the fridge), lift out using parchment paper if you used it. Finally, slice into squares or bars. For neat cuts, chill again briefly before slicing.

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your home just like they are in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Baking is all about having fun in the kitchen, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your Apricot Shortbread Bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create that lovely flaky texture in your shortbread. It prevents the butter from melting into the flour too quickly, which gives your bars a tender bite.

• Don’t skip cooling time: Allowing your bars to cool completely is key! This step ensures that the filling sets properly and makes cutting much easier, so you don’t end up with a crumbly mess.

• Experiment with sweetness: Dried apricots can vary in sweetness, so taste your filling before adding the full amount of sugar. Adjusting to your preference will enhance the overall flavor of the bars.

• Try different fruit fillings: While apricots are delightful, feel free to experiment! Other dried fruits like cherries or peaches can be just as delicious and provide a unique twist to this classic recipe.

• Make ahead for convenience: These shortbread bars store beautifully! Make them a day ahead for even better flavor as they have time to meld together in the fridge.

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Serving these Apricot Shortbread Bars is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments that enhance their flavor. Here are some ideas to make your dessert shine!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the visual appeal.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet apricots beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the chewy texture of apricot bars, creating a delightful contrast.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt brings a nice balance to the sweetness of the bars, making it a perfect lighter option.
• Herbal tea: Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of herbal tea such as chamomile or mint for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can add brightness and acidity that complements the rich shortbread perfectly.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas in mind, go ahead and whip up your own batch of Apricot Shortbread Bars! Enjoy every delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly to maintain their freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer shelf life, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• To enjoy them warm, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• For a quick warm-up, microwave each bar for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

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

Fresh apricots have a higher moisture content and may not yield the same texture as dried ones. If you prefer using fresh, consider cooking them down first with some sugar until they reach a jam-like consistency.

How long do Apricot Shortbread Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Can I substitute other fruits in this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other dried fruits like peaches or cherries. Just keep in mind that sweetness levels may vary, so adjust sugar accordingly.

What is the best way to cut my Apricot Shortbread Bars?

For cleaner cuts, chill the bars slightly before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to avoid messy edges.

Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! These sweet treats are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Enjoy making these delightful bars and sharing them with loved ones. Happy baking!