Low-Fat Apricot Bars
Low-Fat Apricot Bars offer a delightful combination of sweet dried apricots and apricot nectar, balanced with a tender, crumbly base. These bars are a fruity, low-fat treat perfect for snacking or dessert, appealing to those seeking a lighter, flavorful baked good with a hint of warm spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, stir apricot nectar, applesauce, and egg until well combined.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until blended.
- Stir in the chopped dried apricots.
- Spread the batter evenly in an ungreased 11 x 7-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. If you want to enhance the sweetness, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. For a more complex spice profile, try adding a pinch of cinnamon along with the cardamom. Make sure to chop the dried apricots into small pieces for even distribution throughout the bars.
Serving Suggestions
These low-fat apricot bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. They pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee, making for a perfect afternoon snack. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Ice Cream (Maw-Maw'S) for dessert or as a sweet treat at brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apricot 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 for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Apricot Bars contains roughly 178 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% 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 apricots?
While fresh apricots can add a lovely flavor, they are more watery and may alter the texture of the bars. If using fresh, be sure to chop them finely and reduce the amount of apricot nectar slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free apricot bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can provide a nice crunch and additional flavor. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the nutritional profile, but it will enrich the overall taste of the bars.
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).