Almond Apricot Shortbread Delight
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with this Almond Apricot Shortbread Delight. This recipe, inspired by the Mediterranean culinary traditions, combines the rich, buttery taste of shortbread with the nutty aroma of almonds and the sweet tang of apricot jam. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a sweet conclusion to a dinner party, this dessert is both elegant and simple to prepare. The texture is a harmonious blend of crisp and tender, making each bite a memorable experience. With a preparation time that allows you to whip it up quickly, it’s a fantastic choice for any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
3/4 cup (at room temperature)
sugar
1/2 cup
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon
unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
salt
1/8 teaspoon
apricot jam (or less sweet jam)
1/4 cup (such as peach or amaretto jam)
sliced almonds
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the rack to the center position.
2
Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by leaving it ungreased. This helps the shortbread to get a nice crust.
3
In a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl and paddle as needed.
4
Add the almond extract to the butter-sugar mix and beat on medium speed for an additional 30 seconds until well incorporated.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the unbleached all-purpose flour and salt until fully combined.
6
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar blend and mix on low speed until just combined, approximately 30-40 seconds. The dough should be stiff.
7
Reserve half a cup of the dough and spread it on a plate in a thin layer, then place it in the freezer to firm up.
8
Evenly press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating a slightly thicker rim at the edges while ensuring the center is level.
9
Spread your choice of jam, preferably apricot or a less sweet jam (like peach and amaretto), evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges.
10
Take the dough from the freezer and crumble it over the jam layer, sprinkling it evenly.
11
Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top to add a delightful crunch.
12
Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
13
Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before carefully removing it from the pan.
14
Cut the cooled shortbread into triangular serving pieces for enjoyment. This shortbread also freezes remarkably well, making it a great make-ahead dessert!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Almond Apricot Shortbread Delight?
Almond Apricot Shortbread Delight is a Mediterranean-inspired dessert that combines a buttery shortbread base with apricot jam and crunchy almonds.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The primary flavors include rich butter, nutty almond extract, sliced almonds, and the sweet tang of apricot jam.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
You should cream the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar together on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of pan is best for this shortbread?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
Should I grease the springform pan?
No, you should leave the springform pan ungreased to help the shortbread develop a nice crust.
Where should I place the oven rack?
Adjust the oven rack to the center position before preheating.
How long do I mix the almond extract into the batter?
After adding the almond extract, beat the mixture on medium speed for an additional 30 seconds.
What kind of flour is used in this shortbread?
This recipe uses 1 and 1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
How do I mix the flour into the butter mixture?
Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the butter blend and mix on low speed for approximately 30 to 40 seconds until just combined.
What is the consistency of the dough?
The dough for this shortbread should be stiff once the flour is incorporated.
Why do I need to reserve some of the dough?
You reserve half a cup of the dough to freeze it and later crumble it over the jam layer for texture.
How long should the reserved dough be in the freezer?
The reserved dough should stay in the freezer just long enough to firm up while you prepare the rest of the pan.
How do I press the dough into the springform pan?
Evenly press the remaining dough into the bottom, creating a slightly thicker rim at the edges while keeping the center level.
What kind of jam can be used for the filling?
Apricot jam is standard, but you can also use other less sweet jams like peach or amaretto jam.
How much jam is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of apricot jam or your choice of a less sweet fruit preserve.
How should the jam be applied to the dough?
Spread the jam evenly over the dough base, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
What do I do with the frozen dough portion?
Take the chilled dough from the freezer and crumble it evenly over the layer of jam.
What is the final topping before the shortbread goes into the oven?
The final step before baking is to sprinkle 1/3 cup of sliced almonds over the top.
How long does the shortbread bake?
Bake the shortbread for 40 to 50 minutes.
How can I tell when the shortbread is finished baking?
The shortbread is done when the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
How should the shortbread be cooled?
Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to remove it from the pan.
What is the best way to serve the shortbread?
Once completely cooled, cut the shortbread into triangular serving pieces.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, this shortbread freezes remarkably well, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert option.
What is the texture of the finished Almond Apricot Shortbread?
The texture is a harmonious blend of crisp shortbread and tender almond and jam layers.
How much butter is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Does the butter need to be at a specific temperature?
Yes, the butter should be at room temperature for proper creaming.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
It is inspired by Mediterranean and Italian culinary traditions.
What makes this dessert elegant?
The combination of simple, high-quality ingredients like almonds and apricot jam creates a sophisticated flavor profile suitable for dinner parties.
How much sugar is in the dough?
The dough uses 1/2 cup of sugar.