Apricot Almond Bars
Sweet and nutty apricot almond bars feature a buttery crust, apricot preserves, and chopped almonds, making a delightful treat perfect for snacks, parties, or afternoon desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the oleo, powdered sugar, and almond extract together until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, chopped almonds, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix until crumbly.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping.
- Pat the remaining mixture into an ungreased oblong baking pan to form the crust.
- Combine apricot preserves with chopped candied fruit and spread over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top of the apricot layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cut into bars while warm and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. You can also substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract if you prefer a different taste. If almonds aren't available, chopped walnuts can work too. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your mixture. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot almond bars are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an added touch, serve them alongside mulled cider for a cozy dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store the apricot almond bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their texture without making them dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Almond Bars contains roughly 110 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apricots instead of preserves?
While fresh apricots can be used, they will require cooking down with sugar to create a spreadable consistency similar to preserves. This may change the texture and overall sweetness of the bars, so adjust sugar accordingly when using fresh fruit.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze apricot almond bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What can I substitute for candied fruit?
If you don’t have candied fruit on hand, you can use dried fruits like chopped apricots, cranberries, or even raisins. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).