As I rummaged through my pantry, searching for a sweet escape, I stumbled upon a jar of golden apricot jam—a joyful find that instantly sparked inspiration. These Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors, where a tender shortbread base meets the sunshine sweetness of apricot jam. What I love most about this recipe is how quick it is to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or even a cozy night at home. Plus, they pair beautifully with your favorite tea or coffee, offering a delightful indulgence that feels just right for any time of day. Curious about how to create these tasty bars? Let’s dive into the recipe and make something truly special together!

Why are These Bars So Irresistible?

Buttery Bliss: The rich, buttery shortbread is a blissful canvas for the sweet apricot jam, making each bite heavenly.

Effortless Preparation: You need minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps to achieve bakery-level perfection—perfect for busy days!

Versatile Flavor: Not only can you savor apricot, but you can easily swap in your favorite fruit jams like raspberry or peach for a unique twist.

.wprm-recipe-name, .wprm-recipe-ingredients-header, .wprm-recipe-instructions-header, .wprm-recipe-inutrition-header 

Perfect for Sharing: These bars are ideal for gatherings, offering a treat that’s sure to impress family and friends, just like my Pumpkin Smores Bars.

A Delicate Crunch: The delightful texture combines a crispy top with a tender base, giving a satisfying contrast that everyone loves.

Let’s get started and create these delightful treats that everyone will adore!

Apricot Shortbread Bars Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base
• Unsalted Butter – for richness and flavor; well-softened butter ensures easy mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar – provides sweetness and a hint of molasses; can be swapped with white sugar if needed.
• Granulated White Sugar – adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender texture; don’t skip this for the best results.
• Vanilla Extract – enhances flavor; feel free to substitute with almond extract for a different twist.
• Salt – balances sweetness; omit for strict sweet diets if desired.
• All-Purpose Flour – gives structure to the bars; you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

For the Apricot Filling
• Apricot Jam – the star ingredient that brings fruity flavor and sweetness; substitute with other jams like peach or raspberry for variety.

For the Topping
• Powdered Sugar – for dusting, adding a touch of sweetness and aesthetic appeal; dust just before serving for the best presentation.

Your journey to creating these heavenly Apricot Shortbread Bars starts here. Let’s gather those ingredients and bring some warmth into your kitchen!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apricot Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures a consistent temperature for baking. As the oven warms up, gather your ingredients to streamline the process, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen filled with the anticipation of creating delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing well. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour until a cohesive dough forms, signaling you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal halves. Wrap one half tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for firming up the dough, which helps in achieving that perfect buttery texture in your Apricot Shortbread Bars while making handling the dough easier for the following steps.

Step 4: Bake the Base Crust
Take the remaining dough from the refrigerator and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to ensure the surface is smooth and level. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating it’s time to bring in the apricot jam filling.

Step 5: Add the Apricot Filling
Once the base crust is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Evenly smooth 1 cup of apricot jam over the warm crust, filling every corner. Take the chilled half of the dough and crumble it over the jam, creating a delightful topping for your Apricot Shortbread Bars that promises a sweet and fruity surprise with each bite.

Step 6: Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and firm to the touch. Your kitchen will soon be filled with a heavenly aroma as the bars bake, creating a delightful treat that’s worth the wait. Once done, take a moment to admire the beautiful golden hue before cooling.

Step 7: Serve and Dust
After baking, allow the Apricot Shortbread Bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour. Once cool, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a finishing touch that enhances both appearance and flavor. Cut into bars using a sharp knife, ensuring clean edges for a lovely presentation that will impress your family and friends.

Make Ahead Options

These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shortbread dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating it. Additionally, the jam layer can be spread over the baked crust ahead of time—just assemble everything before baking on the day you plan to serve them. For optimal quality, store the assembled bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; this ensures they stay fresh and flavorful. When you’re ready to indulge, simply bake as directed, and you’ll end up with delightful bars that are just as delicious as if made fresh!

What to Serve with Buttery Apricot Shortbread Bars?

Indulging in these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars opens the door to a world of perfect pairing possibilities that elevate your dessert experience.

Fresh Berries: A burst of tartness from fresh blueberries or raspberries balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a decadent touch that complements the buttery richness of the bars.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea blend beautifully, enhancing the fruity flavors of the apricot while providing a cozy drink option.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to please!
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus and melon adds a light, fresh element that contrasts wonderfully with the buttery taste of the bars.
Coffee: Whether it’s a bold espresso or a sweetened latte, coffee pairs beautifully, enhancing the experience of enjoying these sweet treats.

Expert Tips for Apricot Shortbread Bars

Perfect Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best mixing. Cold butter will create clumps and affect the texture of your bars.
Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix the flour just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense bars instead of the tender texture you want for your Apricot Shortbread Bars.
Chill for Success: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough helps achieve a sturdier base and makes it easier to work with.
Uniform Cutting: When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife for clean slices. This makes for a beautiful presentation and helps maintain their shape.
Enhance with Citrus: Adding a bit of lemon or orange zest to your shortbread dough elevates the flavor profile and adds a refreshing twist.
Creative Fillings: Feel free to swap the apricot jam with other fruit options like peach or raspberry to keep things exciting in your baking adventures.

Apricot Shortbread Bars Variations

Feel free to explore these delicious twists and swaps that make your Apricot Shortbread Bars uniquely yours!

Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, ensuring a dairy-free delight for everyone to enjoy.
Nutty Indulgence: Mix in finely chopped pecans or almonds into the shortbread dough for a delicious crunch that complements the soft filling.
Alternative Jam: Swap apricot jam for your favorite fruit preserves, like cherry or fig, to create diverse flavor profiles that tantalize your taste buds.
Whole Grain Goodness: Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier option, adding extra fiber without sacrificing taste.
Zesty Surprise: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough to brighten the flavor and enhance the overall experience. A citrusy note pairs beautifully with sweet apricots!
Coconut Flakes: Incorporate shredded coconut into the topping for an exotic twist, giving a chewy texture that complements the buttery base.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving for a luxurious chocolatey finish that adds a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the jam.
Seasonal Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings or chilly evenings.

By trying these variations, not only can you adjust to dietary preferences, but you can also create exciting new flavor adventures! Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with my delightful Pumpkin Smores Bars for another unique treat!

How to Store and Freeze Apricot Shortbread Bars

Room Temperature: Store your Apricot Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This also makes cutting easier after chilling.

Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating: If desired, reheat thawed bars in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best apricot jam for my bars?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality apricot jam with natural ingredients. It should have a rich apricot flavor and a smooth texture without too many artificial additives. Try to avoid jams that are overly gelled or contain a lot of preservatives, as these can alter the taste of your shortbread bars.

What’s the best way to store my Apricot Shortbread Bars?
The best method is to store your Apricot Shortbread Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember to keep them covered so they don’t dry out; a simple plastic wrap will do wonders!

Can I freeze these bars? If so, how?
Yes, you can easily freeze your Apricot Shortbread Bars! Begin by wrapping each bar tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air escapes. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

What should I do if my shortbread bars turn out too crumbly?
Very! If your bars are overly crumbly, it could be due to a couple of reasons, such as too much flour or not enough butter. To fix this, try adding a bit of melted butter to the mixture to help bind it together. When preparing the dough, make sure to measure flour accurately. Use a scale if possible or fluff the flour before scooping to avoid compacting it.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, those with dairy allergies can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. As for the jam, always check the label for any potential allergens if you’re using fruit spreads instead.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Apricot Shortbread Bars?
To elevate the flavor, I often recommend adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the shortbread dough before baking. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a lovely aroma. You can also experiment with different flavored extracts, such as almond or coconut, to find a unique twist that complements the apricot nicely!