Apricot Chewies
Apricot Chewies are delightful, chewy bars bursting with the sweet tartness of dried apricots and the crunch of pecans. Perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying dessert, they appeal to those who love fruity, nutty treats with a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl.
- Add sugar, melted butter, and vanilla to the eggs and mix well.
- Cut dried apricots into small pieces.
- Toss apricot pieces and small pieces of pecans in flour to coat.
- Add the floured apricots and pecans to the egg mixture and combine.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 11 1/2 x 7 1/2-inch pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and cut into squares.
- Coat the squares in powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using slightly more vanilla or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If dried apricots are too hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping. For a nut-free version, you can substitute pecans with sunflower seeds. Ensure the butter is not too hot when added to avoid cooking the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
These Apricot Chewies are excellent served as a dessert or snack with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with Mommie'S Icebox Cookies for a sweet treat platter. Dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving for a decorative touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Apricot Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F until just heated through to retain their chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Chewies contains roughly 285 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
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 dried?
Fresh apricots have a high water content and may not work well in this recipe. If you prefer fresh fruit, consider using them in a different dessert, such as a tart or crumble. Dried apricots provide the necessary texture and sweetness for these chewy bars.
How do I know when the chewies are done baking?
The chewies are done when they are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking, as they can go from perfect to dry quickly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture. The cooking time may remain the same, but always check for doneness as gluten-free flours can behave differently.
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).