If you have a soft spot for fruity, chewy, and irresistibly sweet treats, then this Apricot Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These bars bring together the perfect harmony of tender apricots, nutty walnuts, and a hint of coconut atop a buttery crumb crust. Every bite bursts with a cozy, homemade vibe that’s perfect for snack time, dessert, or sharing with friends on a sunny afternoon. Trust me, once you try making these luscious bars, you’ll want to keep this recipe close forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apricot Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a distinct role, from providing structure and moisture to adding sweetness and texture. Gathering these essentials will have you on your way to baking perfection in no time.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Gives your crust that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the buttery crust.
- 1â…“ cups all-purpose flour (divided): The foundation for both the crust and filling, ensuring the bars hold together well.
- ⅔ cup dried apricots: These bring a chewy, fruity punch that’s the star of the recipe—softened before mixing for perfect tenderness.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the filling ingredients and provide a light, cakey lift.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements apricots beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: A pinch of lift to keep the filling fluffy and inviting.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a comforting warmth and depth to each bite.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Provides a lovely crunch and nutty accent.
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut: Gives a subtle tropical note and chewy texture contrast.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For dusting the bars after baking, adding a pretty, sweet finish.
How to Make Apricot Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. This step makes for easy removal and cleanup, setting the stage for flawless bars.
Step 2: Soften and Chop the Apricots
Place the dried apricots in a small saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and plump. Properly softened apricots blend better in the filling, giving you that luscious texture you want. Drain, let cool, and chop finely.
Step 3: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of flour using a hand mixer or food processor until coarse crumbs form. Press this mixture evenly into your baking dish’s bottom. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown. This crust will provide the perfect sturdy yet tender base for your bars.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
While the crust is baking, beat together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and richly combined. This mixture creates the luscious filling that contrasts so beautifully with the crust.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk the remaining â…“ cup of flour with baking powder and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents so your filling cooks up fluffy and delicious.
Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet, Then Add the Goodies
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your bars tender. Fold in your chopped apricots, walnuts, and flaked coconut, carefully distributing these flavorful bits throughout the filling.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Spread your filling evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center is clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Step 8: Cool, Cut, and Dust
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut into small squares or rectangles. For that finishing touch, sprinkle or roll each bar in powdered sugar, adding a delicate sweetness and a pretty, inviting look.
How to Serve Apricot Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to amp up presentation, consider garnishing each Apricot Bar with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted walnuts or a few coconut flakes can also add a lovely, gourmet touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. A cup of hot tea or coffee also complements the apricot and nut flavors perfectly, making this an ideal afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh apricot slices or a small bowl of apricot preserves. You could also cut them into bite-size pieces and thread them onto skewers with fresh fruit for a fun party appetizer. The versatility of the Apricot Bars Recipe makes it easy to get creative and impress everyone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apricot bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week, making sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
Warm the bars slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the bars perfectly, bringing back their soft texture and amplified aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh apricots for dried apricots in this Apricot Bars Recipe?
Using fresh apricots is possible but will add more moisture to the bars, which might affect the texture. If you do, be sure to reduce any additional liquid in the recipe and chop the apricots finely. Drying them slightly on baking sheets before using can help maintain the right consistency.
Is it okay to leave out the walnuts?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy walnuts, you can omit them or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep that pleasant crunch.
How long do apricot bars last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars usually last up to a week in the refrigerator. They remain tasty for a few days at room temperature as well, but refrigeration is best for extended freshness.
Can I use a different pan size to bake these bars?
Yes, you can use a slightly larger or smaller pan but be mindful that baking time will vary. Use a toothpick test to check doneness and adjust baking time accordingly to prevent over or undercooking.
What is the best way to chop dried apricots?
After softening and cooling, chop the apricots into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife. This helps them distribute evenly in the filling and ensures a consistent texture throughout the bars.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Apricot Bars Recipe is like wrapping yourself up in a warm, tasty hug, perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own. The combination of fruit, nuts, and coconut on a tender crust creates a balanced treat you’ll keep coming back to. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make magic in your kitchen with these delightful bars!
Print
Apricot Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apricot Bars offer a delightful blend of sweet dried apricots, crunchy walnuts, and flaked coconut atop a buttery, golden crust. Perfectly baked to achieve a tender texture and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars make a delicious snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- â…” cup dried apricots
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
For Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Soften Apricots: Place the dried apricots in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the apricots are softened. Drain well, let them cool, and chop into small pieces.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of flour using an electric mixer or food processor until coarse crumbs form. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn light golden.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: While the crust is baking, beat together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining â…“ cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the egg mixture just until combined.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Fold the chopped apricots, chopped walnuts, and flaked coconut into the filling mixture evenly. Spread this mixture over the hot baked crust immediately after removing it from the oven.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars. Remove the bars from the pan and either roll them in powdered sugar or sprinkle the powdered sugar on top to coat evenly.
Notes
- Ensure apricots are well-drained before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and increase coconut accordingly.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
