There is something truly magical about a bite of homemade apricot bars that combines sweet, tangy fruit with a tender, crumbly crust and a delightful texture burst from coconut and walnuts. This Apricot Bars Recipe is one of those treasured treats that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for sharing with friends over coffee or sneaking a few as a personal indulgence. Each bite brings a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will quickly make these bars a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apricot Bars Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays an essential role, from the buttery crust to the softened apricots that deliver that signature fruity zing.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Provides the rich, tender base that holds the crust together and adds buttery flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crumbly crust without overpowering other flavors.
- 1â…“ cups all-purpose flour (divided): The structure of the bars, divided thoughtfully for crust and filling to get the perfect texture.
- â…” cup dried apricots: The star ingredient that offers a chewy, tangy note after being softened and chopped.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the filling ingredients and create a soft, cake-like layer.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness for the luscious filling.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the filling a gentle lift without making it cakey.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully, balancing sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the filling’s overall flavor profile.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Provides a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft apricots and tender filling.
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut: Adds chewy texture and a subtle tropical note.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used to coat or dust the bars, adding a pretty finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Apricot Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, lightly coat the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your bars come out easily without any sticking, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Soften and Chop the Apricots
Place the dried apricots in a small saucepan and cover them with water. Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and let them simmer gently for about 10 minutes until softened. Once tender, drain well, allow to cool, and chop into small pieces. This step is crucial—it unlocks the apricots’ natural juiciness and mellows their flavor for the perfect filling texture.
Step 3: Make and Bake the Crust
In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer or food processor to combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of flour until coarse crumbs form. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. This crust will become the foundation on which all the wonderful filling flavors rest.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling Mixture
While the crust bakes, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric hand mixer until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This combination adds moisture, sweetness, and a touch of richness that binds together all the filling ingredients beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk the remaining â…“ cup flour along with baking powder and salt. Add these dry ingredients to your egg and sugar mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. This keeps the filling light but stable, ready to hold all the wonderful add-ins.
Step 6: Fold in Apricots, Nuts, and Coconut
Gently fold in the chopped apricots, walnuts, and flaked coconut to the filling. Spread this mixture evenly over the hot crust as soon as you take it out of the oven—this helps everything bind together and bake evenly into those irresistible bars.
Step 7: Bake the Filled Bars
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top puffs up slightly, turns a gorgeous golden shade, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This careful bake time ensures a soft, tender interior with just enough firm edges.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. For that classic finishing touch, roll the bars in powdered sugar or simply sprinkle it on top for a delicate dusting. This not only boosts sweetness but also gives these apricot bars a beautiful, inviting look.
How to Serve Apricot Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar is charming on its own, but you can also add a few toasted walnut halves or a tiny drizzle of honey for a bit of extra shine and texture. These subtle garnishes elevate the appearance and add layers to each bite.
Side Dishes
Apricot bars shine next to a cup of fresh brewed coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon snack gatherings. If you’re serving dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the tender texture and fruity sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on decorative toothpicks or skewers for a party platter. You could also sandwich softened bars with a spread of cream cheese or mascarpone to add a luscious creaminess between layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your apricot bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain their soft texture and rich flavors nicely without drying out, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
Freezing
Apricot bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this Apricot Bars Recipe anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in the microwave or a low oven just until soft and fragrant. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven charm, making every bite taste like you just baked them.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
While fresh apricots could work, this particular Apricot Bars Recipe relies on the chewy texture and concentrated sweetness of dried apricots. If using fresh, you might need to reduce added sugars and adjust moisture, but dried apricots yield the best balance and texture.
Are there any good substitutions for walnuts?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different crunch, pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds would work beautifully. Just be mindful that changing nuts can subtly shift the flavor profile but won’t compromise the overall deliciousness.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to use one designed for baking to keep the proper texture when making this Apricot Bars Recipe gluten-free.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a vegan margarine and substitute eggs with a vegan alternative like flax eggs or applesauce. This will alter the texture slightly but still result in tasty, satisfying bars.
Can I use fresh coconut instead of sweetened flaked coconut?
Fresh coconut has a higher moisture content, so it may make the filling wetter. If you prefer fresh, drain and pat dry thoroughly, or reduce other liquids slightly. Sweetened flaked coconut offers the best texture and sweetness balance in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that perfect blend of fruity, nutty, and tender to brighten up your baking lineup, this Apricot Bars Recipe is a must-try. Full of flavor and texture with straightforward steps, it’s a recipe that invites you to make and share with everyone you love. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a sweet staple you’ll keep returning to again and again!
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
These Apricot Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery crust topped with a luscious apricot, walnut, and coconut filling. Softened dried apricots add a sweet and tangy flavor contrast, while a dusting of powdered sugar finishes these bars with a touch of elegance. Perfect for dessert or a midday snack, these bars combine rich textures and flavors in every bite.
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)
- 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 the 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 dried apricots in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until softened. Drain thoroughly, let cool, and chop into small pieces.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of the flour using an electric hand mixer or food processor until coarse crumbs form. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: While the crust bakes, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric hand mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining â…“ cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir this dry mixture into the egg mixture just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold the chopped apricots, chopped walnuts, and sweetened flaked coconut into the filling mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the 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, or until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars, remove from the pan, and dust or roll each bar in powdered sugar to coat before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the apricots are well drained and cooled before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- If preferred, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- For easier removal, use parchment paper with overhangs in the baking dish.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Powdered sugar can be omitted for a less sweet topping or replaced with a light drizzle of glaze.
