Best 6 Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful medley of sweet and tangy flavors with our irresistible Apricot Shortbread Bars. These delectable treats combine a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust with a layer of luscious apricot filling, all topped with a sprinkle of crunchy streusel. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through three tempting variations of Apricot Shortbread Bars, each with its unique charm. The Classic Apricot Shortbread Bars offer a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy, with a generous filling of apricot preserves sandwiched between layers of buttery shortbread. For a zesty twist, the Lemon Apricot Shortbread Bars infuse the filling with a burst of citrusy goodness, creating a delightful contrast with the sweet apricots. And for those who love a touch of nutty richness, the Almond Apricot Shortbread Bars incorporate ground almonds into the streusel topping, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.

With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, we'll guide you through the process of creating these delectable treats. From preparing the buttery shortbread crust to spreading the luscious apricot filling and sprinkling the streusel topping, we'll ensure that you achieve perfect results every time.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create these irresistible Apricot Shortbread Bars. Whether you prefer the classic combination, the zesty lemon variation, or the nutty almond twist, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

APRICOT-ORANGE SHORTBREAD BARS



Apricot-Orange Shortbread Bars image

Categories     Liqueur     Dessert     Bake     Christmas     Orange     Apricot     Almond     Winter     Jam or Jelly     Bon Appétit     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 32

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup apricot preserves
3 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (packed) almond paste (from 7-ounce roll), crumbled
1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter 9x9x2-inch metal baking pan; line bottom and sides of pan with parchment paper, extending over sides. Butter parchment. Mix preserves and orange liqueur in small bowl; set aside.
  • Using electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Beat in almond extract. Add flour and salt; beat just until blended. Transfer 1 cup of dough to another small bowl; add crumbled almond paste and mix with fingertips until small clumps form. Mix in 1/4 cup sliced almonds; set aside for topping.
  • Press remaining dough evenly onto bottom of prepared pan. Spread preserves mixture evenly over. Using fingertips, coarsely crumble topping over preserves, then sprinkle 1/4 cup almonds over. Press topping lightly into preserves.
  • Bake shortbread until top and crust edges are golden brown, about 1 hour. Cool completely in pan on rack. Using parchment paper as aid, lift shortbread from pan. Cut shortbread into 4 equal strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 8 small bar cookies. (Can be prepared ahead. Store in single layer in airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 weeks.)

APRICOT SHORTBREAD BARS



Apricot Shortbread Bars image

This is a very fruity holiday cookie recipe. A jellied apricot mixture is baked onto a shortbread crust. Simple to make and very yummy!!

Provided by CORWYNN DARKHOLME

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Fruit Cookie Recipes     Apricot

Time 1h15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed light brown sugar
⅔ cup butter or margarine, softened
1 ½ cups chopped dried apricots
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 ½ cups white sugar
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and sugar. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. While the crust is baking, place apricots in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Return the apricots and reserved liquid to the pan, and stir in the lemon zest. Mix together the sugar and cornstarch, and stir into the apricot mixture. Bring to a boil, and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Spread onto the prepared crust, and sprinkle the walnuts over.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm to the touch. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32.6 g, Cholesterol 13.5 mg, Fat 8.5 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 39.1 mg, Sugar 22.9 g

APRICOT BARS WITH SHORTBREAD CRUST



Apricot Bars With Shortbread Crust image

A moist apricot-walnut layer on top of a light buttery shortbread crust. The crust for these bars must be made on a processor. These are wonderful to serve to guests! The apricot filling can be prepared hours in advance. Yield is only estimated depending on the size of bars. Cooking time is for the filling and crust.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h20m

Yield 36 bars

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces (no subs)
4 ounces dried apricots, coarsley chopped
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  • For the shortbread crust: blend flour, sugar and salt together for about 10 seconds in a processor.
  • Add in cold butter using on/off turns, and process until coarse meal forms.
  • Press crumbs firmly into bottom of the pan.
  • Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the center is golden, remove and keep oven heat on to same temperature.
  • To make the filling: place apricots in a small saucepan and add enough water to cover; bring to a boil and simmer until soft (about 4 minutes) drain, and set aside.
  • In a small bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Using an electric mixer beat eggs in a large bowl for about 2 minutes.
  • Add in brown sugar and vanilla and beat until thick.
  • Stir in flour mixture.
  • Mix/mix in the apricots and nuts.
  • Spread over the shortbread crust.
  • Bake for about 35 minutes, or until puffed and dark golden brown.
  • Cool in dish.
  • Cut into small squares or triangles, and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

APRICOT ALMOND SHORTBREAD BARS



Apricot Almond Shortbread Bars image

If you like rich, buttery cookies, you'll like these! I got this recipe from the Ladies Home Journal, June 1990 issue.

Provided by Hey Jude

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h25m

Yield 50 bars

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups blanched almonds, toasted and chopped fine (to toast almonds, bake in preheated 350 oven 10 minutes, cool.)
1 (10 ounce) jar apricot preserves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Beat butter and sugar in mixer bowl until fluffy.
  • Beat in egg yolks and vanilla and almond extracts.
  • Mix in flour and toasted almonds until the mixture forms a soft dough.
  • Divide dough in half.
  • Press one half into 15x10-inch jellyroll pan.
  • Spread evenly with preserves.
  • Cover completely with remaining dough (flatten pieces with hands and carefully patch on top of preserve layer).
  • Bake 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Cut into 3x1-inch bars.
  • Can be made ahead.
  • Wrap and freeze up to 1 month.
  • Thaw wrapped at room temperature.

APRICOT SHORTBREAD BARS



Apricot Shortbread Bars image

This is an old family recipe. We had 3 apricot trees on the farm I grew up on and LOTS of apricots every year. We loved, we ate them fresh, canned, and dried. I still like them better than peaches. I'm sorry the picture is not so good, it looked better in the view finder. :) But these bars are beautiful and delicious.

Provided by Kathie Carr

Categories     Cookies

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 11

SHORTBREAD:
1/2 c butter, softened
1/2 c light brown sugar, packed
1 c all purpose flour
FILLING:
3/4 c dried chopped apricots
1 tsp lemon peel, grated
2/3 c sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1/3 c slivered almonds
dusting of powdered sugar

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For shortbread: In mixer bowl, with mixer on low speed, combine butter and brown sugar. Mix in flour. Pat this mixture in the bottom of an 8 inch square pan to make a nice even shortbead crust. Bake for 12 minutes or until a light golden brown color. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  • 2. Meanwhile make filling: Chop apricots or cut them into small pieces with kitchen scissors. Put apricots in a small saucepan with just enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain apricots, reserving 3 tablespoons of the liquid. Put apricots back in pan with reserved liquid, lemon peel, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Set aside to cool.
  • 3. When both filling and shortbread are cool pour filling over crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle with nuts and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and dust very lightly with powdered sugar. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

APRICOT BARS WITH SHORTBREAD CRUST RECIPE - (4.3/5)



Apricot Bars With Shortbread Crust Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by MJH

Number Of Ingredients 15

CRUST:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces ( no subs)
APRICOT LAYER:
4 ounces dried apricots, coarsley chopped
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish. For the shortbread crust: blend flour, sugar and salt together for about 10 seconds in a processor. Add in cold butter using on/off turns, and process until coarse meal forms. Press crumbs firmly into bottom of the pan. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the center is golden, remove and keep oven heat on to same temperature. To make the filling: place apricots in a small saucepan and add enough water to cover; bring to a boil and simmer until soft (about 4 minutes) drain, and set aside. In a small bowl sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Using an electric mixer beat eggs in a large bowl for about 2 minutes. Add in brown sugar and vanilla and beat until thick. Stir in flour mixture. Mix/mix in the apricots and nuts. Spread over the shortbread crust. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until puffed and dark golden brown. Cool in dish. Cut into small squares or triangles, and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Tips:

  • For the perfect shortbread crust, use cold butter and work it into the flour mixture quickly to avoid overworking the dough.
  • Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking.
  • Bake the shortbread crust until it is golden brown around the edges.
  • Allow the shortbread crust to cool completely before adding the apricot filling.
  • For a smooth and creamy apricot filling, use ripe apricots and blend them until they are completely smooth.
  • Spread the apricot filling evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.
  • Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.

Conclusion:

Apricot shortbread bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the buttery shortbread crust and the sweet and tangy apricot filling is irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that will impress your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give these apricot shortbread bars a try.

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