Date And Apricot Bars
Sweet and fruity Date and Apricot Bars combine chewy dates, tangy apricots, and crunchy oats for a delicious treat perfect for snacks or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together chopped dates, mashed cooked apricots, sugar, and apricot juice in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring often, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Cool the filling mixture.
- For the crust, mix together softened shortening and brown sugar thoroughly.
- Sift together flour, soda, salt, oats, and vanilla, then stir into the shortening and sugar mixture using hands until well combined.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into a greased and floured 13 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- Spread the cooled filling evenly over the crust.
- Cover with the remaining crumb mixture and pat lightly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- While warm, cut into bars and remove from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using coconut oil instead of shortening and reduce the sugar by half for a less sweet option. You can also substitute half the rolled oats with almond flour for added texture. If you prefer a different fruit, peaches or prunes could work well in place of apricots. Make sure to cool the filling completely before assembling for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Date and Apricot Bars are delicious on their own or served with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. They pair wonderfully with a side of Fresh Veggie Salad for a balanced meal. For a delightful treat, serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy them as a sweet snack during your afternoon break.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date And Apricot Bars contains roughly 745 calories, with 9g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 7g 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 dried apricots instead of cooked apricots?
Yes, you can use dried apricots. Simply rehydrate them in warm water for about 15 minutes, then mash them as you would with cooked apricots. This will give a similar texture and flavor to the filling.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Date and Apricot Bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, particularly oats, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I do if I don't have apricot juice?
If you don't have apricot juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or apple juice. Both will provide a nice sweetness and acidity that complements the filling beautifully.
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).