Welcome to Love With Recipes! ๐ช๐ Today, we bring you a delightful treat thatโs been a cherished gem from McCallโs magazine for over two decades: the Apricot Shortbread Bars. These bars are a perfect combination of buttery shortbread and a luscious apricot filling, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert repertoire. Letโs dive into this timeless recipe that promises to be worth every bit of effort!
Apricot Shortbread Bars Recipe
Description
This recipe, originally from McCallโs magazine, over 20 years ago, boasts a lovely apricot filling that is well worth the effort. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a sweet treat, these apricot shortbread bars will surely delight your taste buds. ๐โจ
๐ด Recipe Category
Bar Cookie
๐ Keywords
- Dessert
- Cookie & Brownie
- Fruit
- Scottish
- European
- Low Protein
- Christmas
- < 60 Mins
- For Large Groups
โฐ Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | 20 mins | 50 mins |
๐ Servings and Nutritional Information
- Servings: 20 bars
- Calories per serving: 109.2
- Fat Content: 3.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 8.1mg
- Sodium Content: 24.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 20.1g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 14.6g
- Protein Content: 0.8g
๐ Ingredients
For the Shortbread
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 1 cup dried apricots
- Water (just enough to cover the apricots)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for topping)
๐ฅฃ Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This is the perfect temperature to achieve that golden, crispy shortbread base. ๐ช๐ฅ
2. Prepare the Shortbread
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, margarine, and light brown sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. It should have a crumbly yet cohesive texture.
- Pat the mixture evenly into an 8ร8-inch baking pan, pressing it down to form a uniform layer. This will be the base of your delicious bars.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the shortbread is light golden in color. The aroma will be irresistible! Allow the shortbread to cool completely on a wire rack. ๐ฌ๏ธ
3. Prepare the Apricot Filling
- While the shortbread cools, place the dried apricots in a small saucepan. Add just enough water to cover the apricots. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and add a bit more water if necessary to prevent the apricots from sticking.
- Once the apricots are soft, drain them, reserving 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Chop the apricots finely and return them to the saucepan along with the reserved liquid. โ๏ธ๐
- Add the grated lemon zest, granulated sugar, and cornstarch to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 1 minute, ensuring the cornstarch is fully cooked and the mixture thickens.
- Allow the filling to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to spread over the shortbread crust.
4. Assemble the Bars
- Once the filling has cooled slightly, spread it evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer of apricot goodness.
- If desired, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the apricot filling for an added crunch and nutty flavor. ๐ฐ
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
5. Cool and Cut
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to ensure the filling sets properly and the bars hold together when cut.
- Once cooled, cut into 20 bars. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and tangy-sweet apricot filling! ๐๐
Tips for Success
- Butter and Margarine: Using a combination of butter and margarine gives the shortbread a perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can use all butter for a richer taste.
- Apricots: Make sure to finely chop the apricots for a smooth filling. If you like a chunkier texture, you can leave the pieces slightly larger.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the sweetness of the apricots beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These Apricot Shortbread Bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or as a sweet treat any time of the year. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful experience. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in pretty boxes or tins. ๐โ๐ต
We hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Apricot Shortbread Bars. They are a true testament to the magic that happens when classic flavors come together in perfect harmony. Happy baking! ๐ฅณ๐
For more delicious recipes, visit us at Love With Recipes. ๐ฝ๏ธ
