Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Apricot Shortbread Bars, where a buttery shortbread base meets a sweet-tart apricot filling. This easy and customizable recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering, heading to a picnic, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home. With their crumbly texture and rich flavors, these bars are bound to become a new favorite among friends and family. Adjust the sweetness of the apricot filling to perfectly complement the natural flavors of the fruit, making this treat uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups cold unsalted butter
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
2 cups dried apricots (roughly chopped)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling, adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the apricot filling by simmering chopped dried apricots with water and sugar in a saucepan until tender. Stir in lemon juice and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add the beaten egg and mix until just combined.
Press half of the dough into the prepared pan. Spread cooled apricot filling over this layer and crumble remaining dough on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon into the dough. Use high-quality dried apricots for the best results.