Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make? Plum Shortbread Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of buttery shortbread, sweet-tart plum filling, and a crumbly topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress your family and friends.
Imagine biting into a bar that delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors—a crisp, buttery base, a rich plum filling, and a delicious crumb topping. These bars are not just tasty, they’re a celebration of seasonal plums, bringing out their natural sweetness with every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ready to take your baking to the next level? Plum Shortbread Crumble Bars are easy to prepare, and you only need a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the recipe that will quickly become a go-to favorite for every occasion!
Why You’ll Love These Plum Shortbread Crumble Bars
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as an after-dinner treat.
- Balance of Sweet and Tangy: The sweetness of the shortbread perfectly complements the tartness of the plum filling.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy this recipe.
- Versatile: You can switch out the plums for other seasonal fruits like berries or peaches.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Plums: These bring natural sweetness and tartness to the bars.
- Shortbread Base: A buttery and crumbly foundation made with all-purpose flour, butter, and sugar.
- Crumb Topping: Reserved shortbread dough creates a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
For the Plum Filling:
- 4 cups of plums (about 5-6 medium plums), pitted and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Shortbread Crust and Crumble:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Plum Filling
- Cook the plums: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped plums, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the filling: As the plums release their juices, stir in the cornstarch. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using). Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
- Mix the shortbread: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust: Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the crumble topping. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of a prepared 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until it starts to turn golden around the edges.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Layer the plum filling: Once the shortbread crust has cooled slightly, spread the cooled plum filling evenly over the crust.
- Add the crumble topping: Take the reserved shortbread dough and crumble it over the plum layer.
- Bake the bars: Bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cutting.
- Cut into squares: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
Pro Tips for Perfect Plum Bars
- Use Ripe Plums: The riper the plums, the better the flavor and sweetness. If your plums are under-ripe, you may need to add a little extra sugar to the filling.
- Make a Thick Jam: Cook the plum filling until it’s thick and jam-like. This ensures it doesn’t run out when you cut the bars.
- Chill for Clean Cuts: Chilling the bars in the fridge or freezer before cutting ensures clean, neat slices.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Fruit Fillings: Substitute the plums with other stone fruits like peaches, apricots, or even a mix of berries for a different flavor.
- Add a Spice Twist: For a cozy autumn flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the plum filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen plums?
Yes, you can use frozen plums, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are a great make-ahead dessert. Simply bake, cool, and store them in the fridge. They’re even easier to cut after being chilled.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbs | 37g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
Conclusion
These Plum Shortbread Crumble Bars are the ultimate treat for fruit lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. With a rich, buttery shortbread crust and a perfectly balanced plum filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these bars are bound to become a new favorite.
Feel free to get creative by swapping out the plums for other fruits or adding a twist of your own!