Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings comfort and joy, look no further than this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe! These bars are an absolute favorite in my home, and for good reason. With the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and sweet apricot filling, they make for a wonderful snack or dessert. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just want to indulge yourself after a long day, these bars are sure to impress.

What makes this recipe so special is how simple it is to whip up. The combination of dried apricots with a touch of lemon juice creates a refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the crumbly shortbread. Plus, they hold up well, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can have these bars in the oven in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, picnic, or cozy night in, these bars fit right in.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet apricot filling and buttery crust.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them ahead of time and store them for a delicious treat whenever you crave something sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Apricot Shortbread Bars is easy with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with the flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch and richness.
• Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with orange juice to give your filling a different zesty flavor.
• Berry Delight: Substitute half of the dried apricots with dried cranberries or cherries for a mixed fruit bar.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread dough for an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the 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 bubbling, lower the heat, cover, and let it cook until the apricots are tender—about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. After cooking, stir in fresh lemon juice and almond extract if you’re using it; this adds brightness to your filling. Let it cool slightly before moving on.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour your baking pan or line it with parchment paper—it helps with easy removal later! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, add your cold butter cubes into the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, mix until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This texture is key to that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread experience!

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Set aside about 1½ cups of dough for topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan—this forms your crust! Spread your cooled apricot filling evenly over this base layer. Leave about a quarter-inch border around the edges; it helps keep everything contained when baking.

Step 4: Add Topping & Bake

Crumble the reserved dough over the apricot filling evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top. The filling might bubble slightly—that’s perfectly normal!

Step 5: Cool & Cut

Once out of the oven, let it cool completely on a wire rack—this step is vital! If you cut them too soon while warm, they may crumble apart. After cooling for at least two hours (or longer if you can resist), lift them from the pan using parchment paper overhangs if used. Cut into squares or bars using a sharp knife; cleaning between cuts will help keep them neat.

And there you have it! Your very own Apricot Shortbread Bars are ready to be enjoyed! They’ll be perfect served warm or at room temperature—just be sure to share some!

Pro Tips for Making Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Making these Apricot Shortbread Bars is a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter – Starting with cold butter helps create that wonderfully flaky texture in the shortbread. This prevents the dough from becoming greasy and ensures it holds together beautifully.
• Don’t skip cooling – Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting them is crucial to achieving clean, neat slices. This step helps the filling set up so you don’t end up with a crumbly mess.
• Adjust sweetness – The natural sweetness of dried apricots can vary. Taste your filling before adding all the sugar to ensure it’s perfect for your palate—this way, your bars will be just right for you!
• Customize your filling – Feel free to mix in other dried fruits or nuts to the apricot filling for added flavor and texture. This can elevate your bars and make them uniquely yours!
• Experiment with extracts – While almond extract is an option here, consider trying other flavors like orange or coconut extracts for a fun twist on the classic taste.

How to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe

Serving these Apricot Shortbread Bars can be just as fun as making them! Here are some delightful ways to present this treat that everyone will love.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and enhances the visual appeal of your bars without overpowering their flavor.
• Fresh mint leaves – A few fresh mint leaves not only add color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet apricot filling, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, fruity flavors of the bars, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Greek yogurt with honey – The tanginess of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey complements the sweetness of the apricots while adding a healthy twist.
• Tea or herbal infusions – Serving these bars alongside a cup of tea or herbal infusion offers a calming beverage pairing that enhances their flavor profile.
• Fresh fruit salad – A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich shortbread bars, rounding out your dessert spread perfectly.

Enjoy creating and sharing these delicious Apricot Shortbread Bars! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them a delightful treat for busy days or special occasions. They store well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply leave the bars at room temperature for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm shortbread bars, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave each bar for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 baking mix to maintain texture.

How do I adjust the sweetness in this Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe?

You can adjust the amount of sugar in both the crust and filling based on your taste preferences. Start with less sugar and add more if needed after tasting the apricot filling.

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried for this recipe?

While fresh apricots might work, dried apricots provide concentrated sweetness and a better texture for these bars. If using fresh, consider reducing the liquid slightly.

What should I serve with my Apricot Shortbread Bars?

These bars pair wonderfully with whipped coconut cream or a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent dessert!

How long do these Apricot Shortbread Bars last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars just as much as I do! They bring together sweet apricots and buttery shortbread in every bite, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, I’m sure they’ll love these bars. Happy baking!