Apple Pie Shortbread Bars

These delicious apple pie shortbread bars have a buttery shortbread crust, topped with fresh apples and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping.

I love using a buttery shortbread crust for simple desserts like these apple pie shortbread bars. Shortbread is such an easy option for making a simple crust with your desserts.

Ingredients needed

• 1 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. flour – divided
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter – divided
• 3 large Granny Smith apples
• 2 Tbsp. white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar

How to make apple pie shortbread bars

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1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a food processor, add 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse to combine. Add in the 1/2 cup cold butter one small chunk at a time. Continue to pulse until the dough starts to come together.
3. Remove the dough from the food processor and press into the greased baking dish using your hands. Smooth out the bottom and make sure it’s even. Using a fork, pierce the bottom of the crust multiple times throughout the pan. Doing this will help prevent the crust from rising during baking.
4. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and place onto a cooling rack to cool.
5. While the crust is cooling, peel, core, and slice the apples and place them into a large mixing bowl. Add 2 Tbsp. flour, 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1 tsp. cinnamon, and stir to combine.
6. In a separate bowl, add 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup butter. Use a fork or pastry blender to mix together until you get a crumb consistency.
7. Transfer the apples to the cooled shortbread crust. Then, add the crumb topping and spread to cover the entire dish.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the apples are soft.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Recipe FAQs and Notes

What is shortbread?

Shortbread is traditionally a Scottish biscuit that’s made with a combination of butter, sugar, and flour. Shortbread can be used in many desserts, such as cookies or crusts.

Can I pre-baked the crust ahead of time?

Yes! You can pre-bake the shortbread crust ahead of time. If not using immediately, let cool then cover and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to make the recipe, just bring to room temperature and proceed with the recipe for apple pie shortbread bars.

Recipe Notes

• For a gluten-free option, you can swap in a 1 to 1 gluten-free flour.
• If you cannot find Granny Smith apples, you could also use Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to one week.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Try these other shortbread recipes!

• Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars
• Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Tart
• London Fog Shortbread Cookies
• Orange Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Apple Pie Shortbread Bars Recipe