Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

Name: Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)

Author: Carry

Published: August 7, 2025

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There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery shortbread wafting through your kitchen on a crisp fall afternoon. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars – the perfect marriage of two classic desserts in one irresistible treat. Every time I make these, it transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where she’d bake them for our big Thanksgiving gatherings. The scent alone would have us kids hovering near the oven, begging for the first taste! Now it’s my turn to share this magic with you – a dessert that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Let me count the ways these bars will become your new baking obsession! First off, they’re ridiculously easy – I’m talking “throw-it-together-while-the-coffee-brews” easy. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Every bite delivers:

A buttery shortbread crust that crumbles just right
Tender cinnamon apples with just the right amount of tartness
That irresistible crisp topping with its golden oat crunch

These bars solve every dessert dilemma I’ve ever faced. Need something for book club? Check. Last-minute potluck? Done. Want to impress your in-laws? You’re covered. The best part? They smell heavenly while baking, making your whole house feel like fall. My neighbors can literally smell when I’m making these – that’s how good they are!

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Let’s talk ingredients – and I mean the good stuff that makes these bars magical! I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and I promise every single one of these ingredients plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour – The foundation of our buttery shortbread crust
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Yes, softened! Not melted, not cold – that perfect room temp texture makes all the difference
1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just enough to sweeten that dreamy crust
2 medium apples, peeled and diced – I always use Granny Smith for that perfect tartness, but more on apple choices later!
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – The essential fall spice that makes the apples sing
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Keeps those apples looking fresh and adds a little zing
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed – Pack it in there, friends – that molasses richness is key for the topping
1/4 cup rolled oats – For that signature crisp texture we all love
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional) – I’m team walnut all the way for extra crunch, but leave them out if nuts aren’t your thing

See? Nothing too fancy – just simple, quality ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Now let’s get mixing!

Equipment You’ll Need for Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for these bars – just the basics from your kitchen. Here’s my go-to lineup that never fails me:

8×8-inch baking pan – The perfect size for thick, bakery-style bars
Mixing bowls – One for the crust, one for the apple filling
Measuring cups and spoons – Because baking is science, friends!
Rubber spatula – For scraping every last bit of that buttery crust mixture
Box grater or peeler – To prep those apples in a snap

That’s it! No stand mixer required – just some good old-fashioned elbow grease and love. Now let’s bake!

How to Make Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Alright, let’s dive into the magic! I promise these bars come together easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into apple crisp perfection before you know it.

Preparing the Shortbread Crust

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, let’s make that dreamy crust. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar. I like to use my fingers to really work it in until it looks like coarse crumbs – you’ll know it’s right when you can pinch some between your fingers and it holds together slightly. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. I mean really press it – use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it nice and compacted. Pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes until the edges just start turning that perfect golden color.

Creating the Apple Layer

While the crust bakes, let’s prep those apples! Peel and dice them into small chunks (about 1/2-inch pieces work great). Toss them immediately with the lemon juice – this keeps them looking fresh and prevents that weird grayish color. Then sprinkle in the cinnamon and give everything a good stir until each piece is coated. Once your crust is out of the oven (it’ll smell amazing already!), spread the apples evenly over the top. Pro tip: leave about a 1/4-inch border around the edges so the topping has room to spread.

For more warm apple flavors, check out the Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe or try this fall favorite, the Apple Bundt Cake Recipe.

Adding the Crisp Topping

Now for my favorite part – the crunchy topping! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, and walnuts if you’re using them. The mixture should look like rustic, crumbly goodness. Sprinkle this evenly over the apple layer, using your fingers to gently press it in just a bit. Don’t pack it down too much – we want those lovely crispy bits to form as it bakes.

Baking and Cooling Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to turn golden brown and the apples to be fork-tender. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly! Once baked, resist the temptation to cut in right away – let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 1-2 hours) so they can set properly. I know it’s hard to wait, but this step makes all the difference in getting clean-cut bars rather than a crumbly mess. Then slice, serve, and watch them disappear!

Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

After burning through more test batches than I’d like to admit (hello, charcoal crust incident of 2018!), I’ve learned a few secrets for foolproof bars every time. First, Granny Smith apples are non-negotiable – their tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully and they hold their shape during baking. Second, invest in an oven thermometer! I discovered my old oven ran 25°F too hot, which explained why my early batches cooked unevenly. The biggest lesson? Patience, grasshopper. Letting these babies cool completely is the difference between messy crumbs and picture-perfect slices. My husband still laughs about the time I tried cutting them warm – let’s just say we ate that batch with spoons!

Storing and Serving Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Now that you’ve made these gorgeous bars, let’s talk about keeping them fresh and serving them up right! First rule of Apple Crisp Shortbread Club – store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they stay perfect for about 3 days this way, though let’s be honest – they rarely last that long in my house!

Want to bring back that just-baked magic? Pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds – just enough to warm it through and make the aromas come alive again. The butter in the crust will soften just right, and the apples get that lovely warm comfort-food feel. But here’s my absolute favorite way to serve them: warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The contrast of cold ice cream and warm apples is pure heaven, and the way it mixes with the crispy topping? Oh my stars!

For gatherings, I sometimes arrange the bars on a pretty platter with a dusting of powdered sugar. It makes them look extra special while keeping all that homey goodness intact. Just don’t stack them too high – that crisp topping deserves to be shown off!

Related Apple Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more apple-based inspiration? Here are some delicious options to explore:

Try these Classic Apple Crumble Bars for a simple, nostalgic dessert.
Want more bakery-style apple treats? Check out the Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Indulge in gooey autumn flavors with this Easy Homemade Caramel Apple Jam Recipe.
For donut lovers, these Warm Baked Apple Fritters are a must-bake.
And don’t miss the cozy Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf topped with cinnamon sugar.

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years that always get rave reviews:

Pear Perfect: Swap the apples for ripe pears and add a pinch of cardamom to the spice mix – the floral notes are absolutely divine
Caramel Delight: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled bars for extra indulgence (my niece calls this the “fancy coffee shop version”)
Berry Bonanza: Mix in a handful of fresh cranberries with the apples for a tart pop of color – perfect for holiday gatherings

The possibilities are endless! Once you master the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to play around with your favorite flavors. That’s how all the best family recipes are born, right?

Nutritional Information for Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Now, I’m no nutritionist – I’m just a baker who believes in balance (between butter and happiness, mostly!). But since we all like to know what we’re enjoying, here’s the scoop on these bars. Remember, these numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients – your exact amounts might vary slightly depending on apple size or how generous you are with that topping!

For one delicious bar (about 1/9th of the pan):

Calories: Around 220 – perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up
Fat: 10g (that’s the good butter doing its thing!)
Carbohydrates: 30g – mostly from those wholesome apples and oats
Sugar: 15g (nature’s candy from the apples plus our measured sugar additions)
Fiber: 2g – thank you, apple skins and oats!

Here’s how I look at it – you’re getting real fruit, whole grains from the oats, and that satisfying richness from quality butter. Compared to store-bought desserts loaded with preservatives, these homemade bars feel like a better choice. And that little burst of cinnamon? Well, that’s just good for the soul if you ask me!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about these bars from friends and family (and the occasional desperate text from someone mid-baking crisis). Here are the answers to the ones I hear most often:

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Absolutely! I’ve done this many times when fresh apples weren’t handy. Just thaw them first and pat them really dry with paper towels – that extra moisture can make the crust soggy if you’re not careful. And maybe add an extra minute or two to the baking time since they’ll be cooler going into the oven.

How can I make these gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Just swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend (I like the 1:1 baking mixes). The oats are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the packaging if you’re super sensitive. I’ve even used almond flour for the crust before – it makes the bars extra rich and nutty!

What’s the best way to reheat these bars?
My go-to is 10-15 seconds in the microwave if I’m impatient (which is often). But if I want that perfect crispness, I’ll pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Pro tip: place them on a wire rack so the bottoms don’t get soggy. They’ll taste just-baked all over again!

For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest page!