ππ° Apricot Almond Shortbread Bars ππ°
What is it?
Apricot Almond Shortbread Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the sweet-tart flavor of apricot jam and the nutty crunch of almonds. These bars are a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making them a favorite treat for many.
History:
The exact origin of Apricot Almond Shortbread Bars is not well-documented, but shortbread itself has a long history dating back to medieval times in Scotland. Over the years, variations like these bars have been created, incorporating various ingredients to enhance the traditional shortbread.
Components:
- Shortbread Base: The base is made from a mixture of butter, sugar, and flour. It forms a crumbly, buttery foundation for the bars.
- Apricot Jam Filling: Apricot jam or preserves are spread over the shortbread base, providing a fruity and slightly tart layer.
- Almond Topping: Sliced almonds are sprinkled on top of the apricot jam, adding a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Apricot Almond Shortbread Bars:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
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Prepare the Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
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Assemble the Bars: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating the base. Use a fork to prick the dough’s surface to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
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Add Apricot Jam: Spread the apricot jam evenly over the shortbread base.
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Sprinkle Almonds: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the apricot jam layer, pressing them gently into the jam.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the jam is bubbling.
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Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab out of the dish. Cut into bars or squares as desired.
Time Needed:
The preparation and baking time for Apricot Almond Shortbread Bars typically takes around 1 hour, including cooling time. It’s a relatively simple dessert to make, and the result is a delicious combination of buttery, fruity, and nutty flavors that’s sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy! ππ°π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Almond Shortbread Bars:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Cholesterol: 25-30mg
- Sodium: 50-75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
Health Information:
- These bars are relatively high in calories and fat due to the butter and almonds, so they should be enjoyed in moderation.
- The almonds provide healthy fats and a good source of vitamin E and magnesium.
- Apricot jam adds natural sweetness but also contains sugar, so be mindful of your sugar intake.
- The shortbread base is rich in butter, which contributes to the saturated fat content.
- While this dessert is delicious, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence due to its calorie and sugar content.
Remember that the specific nutrition content may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe.
