Aunt Hope'S Apricot Bars
Sweet and nutty apricot bars feature a buttery cake base, apricot preserves, toasted coconut, and a creamy cheese topping, perfect for snack time or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan very well.
- Mix the cake mix, melted margarine, and chopped almonds.
- Set aside one cup of this mixture.
- Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan.
- Spread 1 1/3 cups of apricot preserves evenly over the pressed mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, salt, and 1/3 cup of preserves until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the apricot preserves.
- Add the coconut to the reserved cake mixture and sprinkle evenly on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is solid and golden.
- Refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the apricot preserves with other fruit preserves like peach or raspberry for a different taste. If you're allergic to nuts, simply omit the almonds. To enhance the texture, toast the coconut before adding it on top. This recipe is inspired by American recipes that utilize cake mixes for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot bars make a delightful dessert on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings. Consider serving them alongside quick drop biscuits for a sweet and savory treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apricot bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm. If you prefer a crispy top, you can briefly bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Hope'S Apricot Bars contains roughly 307 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes such as white or butter flavor. Each will lend a unique taste to the bars. Just be sure to maintain the proportions of other ingredients to achieve the desired texture.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that the flour used in the cream cheese mixture is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy these delicious bars without gluten.
How can I make these apricot bars healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, consider using a reduced-sugar cake mix and opting for low-fat cream cheese. You can also add more nuts or seeds for added nutrition, and replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
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).