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A close-up of freshly sliced apple crisp shortbread bars topped with caramel and sprinkled with cinnamon, set on a rustic wooden table.

Easy Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars: Your Best Fall Dessert

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Enjoy the perfect fall treat with these Easy Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars. Combining tender, caramelized apples with a buttery, crumbly shortbread topping, this dessert is quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious — ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy autumn evenings. Made with fresh apples and simple ingredients, these bars promise a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, capturing the essence of fall in every bite.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large fresh apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

Instructions

  1. Begin by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing the apples.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
  3. Reserve one-third of the flour mixture for topping.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, brown sugar, and salt.
  5. Add the cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Press two-thirds of this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
  7. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
  10. Allow to cool slightly before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor and better texture.
  • Ensure the butter is cold to get a crumbly, flaky crust and topping.
  • Mix the topping just until blended to maintain a crumbly texture.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins on top before baking.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (about 1/12 of the recipe)
  • Calories: 250 Kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg