Apricot Nut Squares
Apricot Nut Squares are buttery, nutty pastry bars with a cinnamon-sugar filling, perfect for dessert or teatime, offering a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat water, milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar; let cool and set aside.
- When cool, dissolve the packet of dry yeast in the mixture.
- Mix the flour, oleo (butter), and egg yolks to form pie dough.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dough and divide into 3 parts.
- Roll each part between wax paper and lay on a pan measuring approximately 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch.
- Combine ground nuts, cinnamon, and 1 cup sugar; set aside 1 cup of this mixture for topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you're short on ground nuts, a mix of walnuts and almonds works well. To enhance the sweetness, try adding a dash of vanilla extract to the dough. Ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal rise, and allow the dough to rest adequately before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These Apricot Nut Squares are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack with your morning coffee. Consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads alongside Brown And Serve Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Apricot Nut Squares 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 preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring a delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Nut Squares contains roughly 988 calories, with 49g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (98% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1322mg per serving (57% 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?
While fresh apricots can be used, they will introduce more moisture into the recipe. If you choose to use fresh, reduce the liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the desired texture. Dried apricots provide the right sweetness and consistency for these squares.
What type of nuts work best for this recipe?
Almonds and walnuts are excellent choices for this recipe due to their flavor and texture. If you prefer a unique twist, try pecans or hazelnuts. Just ensure the nuts are finely ground to blend well into the mixture and provide a smooth consistency.
How can I make these squares more visually appealing?
To enhance the presentation, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top after baking. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for added contrast. Adding a few apricot slices on top before baking can give them a beautiful, rustic look.
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).