Apple desserts have a special way of bringing comfort to the table. Whether it’s the aroma of cinnamon, the soft bite of baked apples, or the buttery crunch of crumble topping, they remind us of home and warmth. These apple crumble shortbread bars are a simple yet impressive treat that combines three layers in one bite: a buttery shortbread base, a tender spiced apple filling, and a golden oat crumble on top.
Unlike traditional apple pies or crisps, these bars are portable and easy to slice, making them perfect for potlucks, lunchbox treats, or holiday dessert platters. The recipe uses pantry staples and just a couple of fresh apples, which makes it both budget-friendly and approachable. Even beginner bakers can succeed with this recipe, and once baked, the bars taste like a cross between apple crisp and buttery cookies.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Apple Filling
2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crisp Topping
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on two sides to use as handles later. This step ensures the bars lift cleanly out of the pan for slicing.
Make the Shortbread Crust
In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix evenly. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand with small pea-sized bits of butter. If you do not have a food processor, you can cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, working quickly to keep the butter cold. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven, but keep the oven running.
Prepare the Apple Layer
While the crust bakes, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Toss until the apples are well coated. The flour will absorb excess juice, ensuring the base does not become soggy. Spread this mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Add the Crisp Topping and Bake
In the same bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cubed cold butter. Use your fingers or a fork to rub the butter into the mixture until it becomes crumbly with small clumps. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.
Cool and Slice
Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely. Cooling allows the shortbread base to firm up, which makes slicing much easier. Once cooled, lift the entire block out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 neat squares.
Serving Ideas
Apple crumble shortbread bars are versatile. Serve them plain for an afternoon snack, or dress them up as dessert by topping each square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider. For festive occasions, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar to add a snowy effect.
Ingredient Notes and Variations
Apples: Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast to the sweet layers, while Honeycrisp provides a balanced sweetness. A mix of the two is ideal. Other apples like Fuji or Braeburn also work well, but avoid varieties that become too mushy, such as Red Delicious.
Spices: You can enhance the filling with additional spices like ground cloves or cardamom for a bolder flavor. Pumpkin pie spice can also be used in place of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Shortbread: For a nuttier crust, replace ¼ cup of the flour with finely ground almonds or pecans.
Topping: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds to the oat mixture for extra crunch. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking creates a crisp, caramelized finish.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the flour in both the crust and topping. Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter alternatives for both crust and topping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow them to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to soften the shortbread base. The bars can also be frozen. Place sliced bars on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Troubleshooting
Crust too crumbly: This usually happens if the butter wasn’t cold enough or if the crust wasn’t pressed firmly. Next time, chill the pressed crust for 10 minutes before baking.
Soggy base: Apples may have been too juicy. Be sure to dice them small and coat thoroughly with flour and sugar before layering.
Topping too dry: If the topping doesn’t clump, your butter may have been too warm. Place the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes, then break into crumbs before baking.
Why These Bars Work
The combination of textures makes these bars stand out. The shortbread crust gives structure and crunch, the apple layer provides moistness and warmth, and the crumble topping adds rustic sweetness. Together, they create a handheld dessert that tastes like apple pie but with half the effort. Since they slice cleanly and pack well, they are a great choice for bake sales, picnics, and lunchbox treats.
Conclusion
Apple crumble shortbread bars are a cozy and versatile dessert that bridges the gap between cookies and pie. They’re easy to make, customizable with different flavors, and impressive enough for gatherings while still being simple enough for everyday baking. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll find they become a go-to recipe whenever apples are in season.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus cooling
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: Approximately 210 per bar