Luscious Apricot Bars
Sweet and tangy apricot bars feature a tender buttery crust topped with chopped dried apricots, perfect for snacking, teatime, or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover apricots with water and boil 10 minutes or until soft. Cool and chop into fairly small pieces.
- Mix together the butter, sugar, and 1 cup of flour to form a dough.
- Press the dough into the bottom of an 8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with coconut oil. If dried apricots are unavailable, try using dried peaches or figs as alternatives. To enhance the texture, you can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Make sure to chop the apricots finely for even distribution throughout the bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the luscious apricot bars as a delightful dessert or snack with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, drizzle some melted chocolate over the bars or serve alongside a scoop of *Sugar Cookie Dessert*.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apricot bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place the bars in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to regain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luscious Apricot Bars contains roughly 342 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% 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 ones?
Fresh apricots can be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Boil and chop them until soft, and you may want to reduce the amount of sugar since fresh apricots are less sweet than dried ones. Experiment to find the right balance for your taste.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The apricot bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
Can I freeze these apricot bars?
Yes, you can freeze the apricot bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
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).