Cardamom Pistachio Shortbread Bars
Cardamom Pistachio Shortbread Bars
Indulge in a sophisticated variation of classic shortbread with these exquisite bars, perfectly suited for the "Brownies & Bars" category. A rich, buttery shortbread base, deeply infused with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom, forms the foundation. This tender crumb is generously studded with bright green, crunchy pistachios, adding both flavour and texture. Baked to a beautiful golden perfection, these bars offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience, making them an ideal treat for afternoon tea, a refined dessert, or a charming homemade gift. The harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and subtly spiced notes creates a unique and memorable flavour profile, demonstrating how simple, high-quality ingredients can elevate a familiar bar to gourmet status with minimal effort and maximum impact.
- Preparation time
- 20 min
- Cooking time
- 35 min
- Total time
- 55 min
- Servings
- 24
Instructions
Preparation
- 1Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- 2In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Mixing & Baking
- 1In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- 2Fold in the chopped pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- 3Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a glass or your hands to ensure it is packed firmly and uniformly.
- 4Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centre appears set. The shortbread should still be pale in the middle.
- 5Remove from the oven and while still warm, carefully score the shortbread into your desired bar or square shapes. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper and cutting along the scored lines.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 160 kcal
- Protein
- 2 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Carbs
- 17 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbs | 17 g |
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the perfect tender shortbread texture; it should yield to gentle pressure.
- Do not over-bake! Shortbread should remain pale with just the edges hinting at golden. Over-baking will result in a hard, dry bar rather than crumbly.
- For the cleanest cuts, ensure the bars are completely cool before slicing. A sharp, ungreased knife works best.