Buttery apricot shortbread bars have a way of making any day feel special. I remember my aunt making these for family gatherings; the entire house would smell like warm butter and sweet fruit. They’re so simple to whip up, and that first bite is pure bliss – a tender, crumbly crust giving way to a gooey, slightly tart apricot jam center. These bars are truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious. If you’re looking for an easy apricot shortbread bar recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser, you’ve found it! Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars
- They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for even beginner bakers.
- The combination of tender, buttery crust and sweet apricot jam is irresistible.
- These bars are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed for any occasion.
- They offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply divine.
- You’ll achieve a truly delicious buttery apricot shortbread experience with every bite.
- They make a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
- The aroma filling your kitchen while they bake is pure comfort.
- This delicious buttery apricot shortbread is a classic for a reason!
Ingredients for Easy Apricot Shortbread Bar Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delightful shortbread bars with apricot jam. I always make sure my butter is softened to room temperature; it makes creaming it with the sugar so much easier and ensures a tender crust. The egg yolks add richness and help bind everything together, while the vanilla extract just enhances that lovely buttery flavor. For the flour mixture, I use all-purpose flour, baking powder for a slight lift, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. And of course, the star of the show is the sweet and slightly tart apricot jam that creates that wonderful gooey layer.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup sugar – sweetens the shortbread crust perfectly.
- 2 large egg yolks – for richness and binding.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the buttery flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our delicious crust.
- 1 tsp baking powder – provides a little lift.
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups apricot jam – for that sweet, fruity filling.
How to Make Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars
Making these homemade apricot shortbread cookies is a joy, and I promise it’s easier than you think! The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first bite. Let’s get started on this simple apricot shortbread bar recipe.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×10 baking dish and give it a good spray with baking spray. This ensures your bars won’t stick.
- Step 2: In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar on medium speed. You’re looking for it to become light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This is key for that tender crust.
- Step 3: Add the two large egg yolks and the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is beautifully creamy and well combined.
- Step 4: Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix only until everything is just combined; overmixing can make your bars tough. You’re building the base for delicious homemade apricot shortbread cookies here.
- Step 5: Take about half of the dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You want a nice, consistent layer – this is the foundation of your buttery apricot shortbread bars.
- Step 6: Spoon the apricot jam over the dough base. Spread it evenly all the way to the edges. This sweet, fruity layer is what makes these bars so special.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture evenly over the top of the apricot jam. Don’t worry if it looks a bit streaky; it will bake together beautifully. This step creates the rustic top of your homemade apricot shortbread cookies.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. The smell of baking shortbread is divine!
- Step 9: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial! Trying to cut them while warm will just make a mess. Patience here leads to perfectly formed bars.
Pro Tips for the Best Apricot Shortbread Bar Dessert
To ensure your apricot shortbread bars are absolutely perfect every time, try these simple tips. They elevate these already delicious bars to gourmet status!
- Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This is key for that classic shortbread texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; a light hand results in a tender crust.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This prevents them from falling apart.
- For a touch of elegance, dust with powdered sugar after cooling.
What’s the secret to perfect Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars?
The secret to achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in the ratio of butter to flour and not overworking the dough. This simple technique ensures the bars are tender and delicate, making it the best apricot shortbread bar recipe for any occasion.
Can I make Apricot Shortbread Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble them up to 24 hours before baking and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for even cooking. For more make-ahead tips, check out this guide on sustainable farming practices.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars?
The most common pitfalls are overmixing the dough, which leads to tough bars, and trying to cut them while they’re still warm, resulting in a crumbly mess. Always be gentle with the dough and allow them to cool completely.
Best Ways to Serve Apricot Shortbread Bar Dessert
These bars are wonderful on their own, but serving them with a few thoughtful touches can really elevate them. For a truly special treat, pair these gourmet apricot shortbread bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They’re also fantastic alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy morning. You can even drizzle a little extra melted butter or a simple glaze over them for added decadence. They’re so versatile, they fit right in as a simple dessert or a more elaborate sweet offering. For other dessert ideas, consider trying our pistachio pavlova meringue cakes.
Nutrition Facts for Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars
A single serving of these delightful bars offers a satisfying sweet treat. We’ve broken down the approximate nutritional breakdown per bar to help you understand what you’re enjoying.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on general nutrition, you can explore resources on the many benefits of onions.
How to Store and Reheat Apricot Shortbread Bars
Properly storing your delicious buttery apricot shortbread bars ensures they stay fresh and delicious for days. Once your bars have completely cooled in the pan (this is super important – don’t rush it!), you can carefully slice them. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For long-term storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated bars, reheating is simple. For a quick thaw, you can microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds. If you want them slightly warm and soft, a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) works wonders. This simple storage and reheating process ensures you can enjoy these delightful apricot shortbread bar dessert treats whenever the craving strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars
What are apricot shortbread bars?
Apricot shortbread bars are a delightful baked treat consisting of a tender, buttery shortbread crust layered with sweet apricot jam. They are a simpler, bar-style version of traditional shortbread cookies, offering a wonderful combination of crumbly texture and fruity sweetness. They are perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or as a homemade gift.
How to make apricot shortbread bars that are perfectly chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture in your apricot shortbread bars, you can slightly increase the sugar content or add an extra egg yolk to the dough. Baking them for a minute or two less than the recommended time can also help maintain a softer, chewier center. Ensure the jam layer is not too thick, as this can make them seem more gooey than chewy.
Can I use a different type of jam in these bars?
Absolutely! While apricot jam is classic, these bars are incredibly versatile. Feel free to substitute it with other fruit jams like raspberry, strawberry, fig, or even a mixed berry jam. Each variation will offer a slightly different flavor profile, but the delicious buttery shortbread base will remain consistently wonderful. For a similar fruity flavor, try our cinnamon orange jam linzer cookies.
Why are my buttery apricot shortbread bars crumbly?
Crumbly bars often result from too much flour or not enough fat (butter) in the dough. Another common reason is overmixing the dough after the flour has been added, which develops the gluten too much. Ensure you’re using the correct measurements and mix the dough only until it just comes together.
Variations of Apricot Shortbread Bars You Can Try
While these classic buttery apricot shortbread bars are divine on their own, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a delightful nutty twist, try making apricot almond shortbread bars by adding a half cup of finely chopped almonds to the dough. If you’re aiming for a chewier texture, consider slightly increasing the sugar or adding an extra egg yolk to the dough, baking just a minute or two less to create wonderfully chewy apricot shortbread bars.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, so keep an eye on the dough consistency.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg yolks with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or commercial egg replacer.
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the apricot.
Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars: 1 Divine Treat
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery apricot shortbread bars combine a tender, golden crust with a sweet apricot jam filling. They are easy to make, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfect for dessert, tea time, or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups apricot jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×10 baking dish with baking spray.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread apricot jam evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the jam.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Swap apricot jam with raspberry, strawberry, peach, or fig jam for variety.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Mix in citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a bright flavor twist.
- Double the recipe in a 9×13 pan if serving a crowd.
- These bars freeze well for up to 2 months when tightly wrapped.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Leave a Reply