Apricot Bars(Yummy!)
Sweet and tangy apricot bars combine a buttery crust with a luscious apricot filling, perfect for dessert gatherings or afternoon tea with a burst of fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup apricot juice, and drained apricots until slightly thickened.
- Cream together butter and 1 cup sugar.
- Blend in flour and baking soda.
- Stir in coconut and chopped walnuts.
- Place 3 cups of the mixture (very dry) in the bottom of a greased 12 x 8-inch pan.
- Pat down the mixture evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Remove from oven and spread the cooked apricot mixture over the partially baked crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining mixture on top.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the apricot mixture. If you don't have apricot juice, orange juice makes a great substitute. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. You can also use nuts like pecans instead of walnuts for variation. For added texture, try mixing in some oats.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot bars are delicious on their own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, serve them alongside a slice of My Mother'S Chocolate Cream Pie for a sweet dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apricot bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Bars(Yummy!) contains roughly 422 calories, with 6g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots! Make sure to peel and pit them, then chop them into small pieces. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the desired thickness in the mixture, as fresh fruit has more moisture than canned.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free apricot bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially baking soda, are also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy a similar texture without compromising on flavor.
Can I freeze these apricot bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Once cooled, cut them into squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).