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Shortbread Apricot Bars

Delicious Shortbread Apricot Bars for a Perfect Snack

These Shortbread Apricot Bars combine a buttery crust with a sweet-tart filling, making them a delightful snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar No significant substitutions.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Omit for specific dietary needs.
  • 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter Must be very cold; can use vegan butter.
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Substitute with vanilla paste for richer flavor.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup Dried Apricots Can substitute with figs or cherries.
  • 1/2 cup Water No substitutions needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Omit or substitute with lime juice if preferred.
For Serving
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Omit for a sugar-free preference.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine diced dried apricots, water, and sugar over medium heat. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until softened and most liquid is evaporated. Mash to create a chunky paste and set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add very cold cubed butter and vanilla extract, mixing until texture resembles coarse sand. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for topping.
  4. Pour the remaining shortbread mixture into the lined pan and press firmly to form an even crust. Spread the cooled apricot filling over the base and sprinkle reserved crumb mixture on top.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and filling is bubbling.
  6. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan for 1-2 hours before lifting out and slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Chill the butter before mixing, monitor the filling for thickness, and allow proper cooling time for clean cuts. Experiment with different fillings for variety.

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