Description
Tender, buttery apricot shortbread bars layered with sweet apricot preserves and topped with a golden crumbly shortbread topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract, then mix in the flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, mix apricot preserves with lemon juice if using. Spread evenly over the shortbread base.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the apricot layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the preserves.
- Chill the bars before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Substitute apricot with any fruit preserves you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American