Apricot Spice Bars(Makes 24 Bars)
Sweet and spicy apricot bars with coconut and nuts, featuring warm cinnamon and lemon flavor, perfect for snack time or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Mix softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
- Add egg, evaporated milk, lemon juice, and vanilla to the mixture. Blend until smooth.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beating until well blended.
- Stir in chopped dried apricots, chopped nuts, and flaked coconut.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared buttered baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the butter with a mix of coconut oil and unsalted butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts altogether or replace them with sunflower seeds. To enhance the spice profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Ensure you measure the flour accurately for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot spice bars are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, try them with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled apricot spice bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Spice Bars(Makes 24 Bars) contains roughly 190 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 dried?
While you can use fresh apricots, it's recommended to dry them first for better texture and sweetness. Fresh apricots may release moisture during baking, which can affect the consistency of the bars. If using fresh, reduce the evaporated milk slightly to maintain the right balance.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To create a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda is also gluten-free. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently, so check the batter consistency before baking.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a little cream to thicken it, or use a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk. Just be mindful that the flavor profile may change slightly, but it will still yield delicious results.
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).