If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances fruity brightness with a comforting, crumbly texture, this Apricot Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These bars combine the natural sweetness of dried apricots with the rich, buttery crust and a lovely nutty crunch, all finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar that adds a touch of elegance. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this Apricot Bars Recipe offers a homemade charm that’s both simple to achieve and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating apricot bars that burst with flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the softened butter that gives the crust its tender crumb, to the dried apricots that provide juicy sweetness, and the walnuts plus coconut that add delightful crunch and tropical hints.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Essential for a rich, tender crust that browns beautifully.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tart apricots.
- 1â…“ cups all-purpose flour (divided): Forms the base of the crust and filling, providing structure.
- â…” cup dried apricots: The star ingredient, softened and chopped to infuse every bite with fruity goodness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients for a smooth, custardy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings warmth and depth to the filling with its molasses notes.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the filling puff up slightly, creating a light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness in the bars.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant layer to the flavor profile.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Offers crunch and a nutty richness, complementing apricot perfectly.
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut: Adds chewy texture and a tropical twist.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For finishing the bars with a delicate, sweet coating.
How to Make Apricot Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later. This preparation ensures a smooth baking process and easy clean-up.
Step 2: Soften the Apricots
Simmer the dried apricots in enough water to cover them until they become tender—about 10 minutes. This step transforms the apricots from chewy to soft and juicy, which is crucial for blending seamlessly into the filling. After simmering, drain and chop them finely to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the bars.
Step 3: Make the Crust
Using an electric mixer or food processor, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and one cup of the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture will bake into a tender, buttery base. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared dish and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until it turns lightly golden on the edges. This pre-bake ensures your bars have a crispy, flavorful foundation.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
While the crust bakes, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This creates a sweet, rich base that will hold the filling ingredients together with a custard-like consistency.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture just until combined, ensuring the filling stays light and not overworked, which keeps the texture just right.
Step 6: Incorporate Apricots, Nuts, and Coconut
Fold in the chopped apricots, walnuts, and sweetened flaked coconut. Each addition brings its own unique element—fruity sweetness, nutty crunch, and tropical chewiness—creating a complex, satisfying filling that’s as interesting as it is delicious.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Spread the filling evenly over the hot, baked crust straight from the oven. Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step sets the filling perfectly while giving the bars an inviting golden finish.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow the apricot bars to cool completely, which helps them firm up for neat cutting. Once cooled, cut into 16 small bars. For an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation, either sprinkle or roll the bars in powdered sugar to coat. This finishing step adds a dreamy, sweet contrast to the fruity, nutty layers beneath.
How to Serve Apricot Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These apricot bars are lovely on their own but placing a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes them to indulgent new heights. A light dusting of additional powdered sugar right before serving makes them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your apricot bars with fresh berries to brighten the flavor profile or serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. The nutty and fruity notes in the bars complement light beverages wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board surrounded by extra chopped walnuts and coconut flakes for a charming display. For special occasions, stack a few bars layered with whipped cream and fresh apricot slices between them for a show-stopping dessert tower.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, apricot bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and handy for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen apricot bars keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly for a convenient treat anytime.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, simply reheat them in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes or briefly microwave a single piece. This will soften the bars and revive that freshly baked feel without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried in this Apricot Bars Recipe?
Fresh apricots can be used, but you will want to chop them finely and possibly reduce the simmering time since they release more moisture. Adjust baking times slightly to accommodate the extra liquid for best results.
Are these apricot bars gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version.
How do I make sure the crust bakes evenly?
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan and avoid overmixing. Prebaking the crust until it’s lightly golden helps create an even, crisp base that holds up under the filling.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work nicely and add their own unique flavor and crunch to this Apricot Bars Recipe.
What causes the filling to puff up during baking?
The baking powder in the filling acts as a leavening agent, causing the mixture to rise and become light and tender as the bars bake. This puffy top adds a delightful texture contrast with the crispy crust.
Final Thoughts
This Apricot Bars Recipe is such a joy to make and share. From the tender, buttery crust to the sweet, fruity filling with toasted nuts and coconut, every bite is a hug of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these bars promise a satisfying and memorable dessert experience that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. So grab your ingredients and dive into making this lovely recipe today—you won’t regret it!
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 are a deliciously chewy and nutty treat featuring a buttery crust, a rich apricot and coconut filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for snacking or dessert, they combine the natural sweetness of dried apricots with the crunch of walnuts and the tropical flavor of flaked coconut.
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Filling
- â…” cup dried apricots
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
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 ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Soften Apricots. Place the dried apricots in a small saucepan and add enough water to cover them completely. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the apricots for about 10 minutes until they are softened. Drain thoroughly, cool, and chop into small pieces.
- Make the Crust. In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer or food processor to mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of flour until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes until it turns lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare the Filling Base. While the crust is baking, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl using an electric hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Filling. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining â…“ cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir these dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Inclusions. Fold the chopped apricots, chopped walnuts, and sweetened flaked coconut into the filling mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Assemble and Bake. Spread the filling evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for about 30 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the baked apricot bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 small bars. Remove the bars from the pan and either roll them in powdered sugar or sprinkle lightly to coat the tops before serving.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the baking dish can make removing the bars easier.
- Be careful not to overmix the filling to keep the bars tender.
- Ensure dried apricots are well drained to avoid making the filling too wet.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds.
