If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s bursting with fruity sweetness, nutty crunch, and a sprinkle of coconut charm, this Apricot Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Soft dried apricots meld perfectly into a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, brown sugar and egg filling, while walnuts and flaked coconut add texture and a touch of indulgence. These bars are wonderful for sharing at gatherings, gifting to friends, or enjoying as a special snack with your afternoon tea or coffee. Trust me, once you try this Apricot Bars Recipe, its irresistible combination of flavors and textures will quickly make it a staple in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Apricot Bars Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one brings an essential element to the final taste, texture, or look of the bars. From creamy butter creating that perfect crumbly base to the chewy apricots adding natural sweetness, these ingredients ensure your bars are a guaranteed hit every time.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Provides a rich, buttery base that forms a tender crust.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the buttery crust.
- 1â…“ cups all-purpose flour (divided): The foundation for structure in both crust and filling.
- â…” cup dried apricots: Naturally sweet and chewy, soaking softens the texture for easy folding.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the filling’s silky texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Infuses a lovely caramel flavor into the filling.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the filling rise slightly, adding lightness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Introduces crunch and a subtle earthy note.
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut: Brings tropical flavor and texture contrast.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For dusting, giving the bars a pretty, sweet finish.
How to Make Apricot Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Apricots
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and preparing an 8×8-inch baking dish with either parchment paper or a light coating of nonstick spray. Then, soften your dried apricots by simmering them gently in water for about 10 minutes, transforming them into tender bites that blend beautifully into the filling. Don’t forget to drain and chop them once cooled to make sure every corner of your bars is filled with that apricot goodness.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and one cup of flour using an electric mixer or food processor until coarse crumbs form. This crumbly mix might feel simple, but it’s the base of your bars, providing that golden, tender crust everyone loves. Press it evenly into your prepared dish and bake it until just golden around the edges — this pre-baking ensures a sturdy, yet delicate bottom layer.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
While the crust is in the oven, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until silky smooth. Then, combine the remaining flour with baking powder and salt before gently folding these dry ingredients into the egg mixture. This creates a rich, custard-like filling that will support the apricots, nuts, and coconut perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Fold the chopped apricots, walnuts, and flaked coconut into the filling, adding delightful bursts of flavor and texture in every bite. Pour this luscious mixture over the hot, freshly baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — this signals that your bars are ready to cool and transform into chewy, moist delights.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to avoid crumbling. For a beautiful presentation and an extra hint of sweetness, sprinkle or roll the bars in powdered sugar. This final touch makes these apricot bars not only delicious but also irresistibly inviting.
How to Serve Apricot Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Apricot Bars Recipe a little extra flair by dusting them with powdered sugar or even adding a drizzle of honey or melted white chocolate for a touch of elegance. Fresh apricot slices or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top make for lovely edible decorations that elevate the presentation and introduce fresh flavors.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert. If you want to keep it simple, a hot cup of tea or coffee balances the sweetness perfectly, making the apricot bars the star of your snack or dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange the Apricot Bars Recipe on a decorative platter for parties, or wrap them individually with parchment and twine for charming homemade gifts. You could also layer the crumbled bars over yogurt or pudding for a textured parfait that adds a fruity, nutty surprise to your breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover apricot bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain their chewy, moist texture beautifully, making it easy to enjoy your bake over several days without losing any flavor or freshness.
Freezing
If you want to have these delightful apricot bars ready whenever the craving hits, they freeze very well. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
For a warm treat, reheat the bars gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for about 5 minutes. This revives their softness and aroma, making them taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh apricots for dried in this Apricot Bars Recipe?
Fresh apricots have more moisture, so adjustments would be necessary to avoid a soggy filling. Dried apricots provide concentrated sweetness and texture perfect for these bars, but if you prefer fresh, reduce other liquids and finely chop the fruit before incorporating.
What can I use if I don’t have walnuts?
Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even pistachios. Each nut option will bring its unique flavor and crunch, so choose what you enjoy or have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon for the best texture.
How long do these apricot bars keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the apricot bars stay delicious for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead snack or dessert.
Can I make these bars vegan?
The recipe uses butter and eggs, but you can substitute vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a vegan version. The texture might be slightly different but still tasty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a tray of these Apricot Bars Recipe and watching them turn golden, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars strike the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chewy with every bite. Dive in and enjoy baking your own batch — I promise you’ll be hooked!
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
Description
Delightfully chewy and fruity apricot bars with a buttery crust, packed with chopped dried apricots, crunchy walnuts, and sweetened coconut, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect as a snack or dessert for any occasion.
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 brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease 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 and simmer for about 10 minutes until apricots are softened. Drain them thoroughly, allow to cool, and chop into small pieces.
- Make crust: In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer or food processor to combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges become lightly golden.
- Prepare filling base: While the crust bakes, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining â…“ cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just incorporated.
- Add apricots and mix-ins: Fold the chopped apricots, chopped walnuts, and sweetened flaked coconut gently into the filling mixture until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and bake: Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately spread the filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and finish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars. Remove each bar from the pan and roll or sprinkle with powdered sugar to coat evenly.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the apricots thoroughly after simmering to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Rolling the bars in powdered sugar can be adjusted to taste based on desired sweetness.
