Luscious Apricot Squares
Delicious apricot squares feature a crunchy crust and sweet, tangy apricot filling, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or serving at teatime gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover apricots with water and boil for 10 minutes.
- Drain the apricots and chop them.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan.
- Mix together butter, sugar, and 1 cup of flour until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have dried apricots, you can substitute with dried peaches or plums. To enhance texture, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture. Be sure to chop the apricots finely for even distribution throughout the squares. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These luscious apricot squares are perfect as a sweet treat with afternoon tea or coffee. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also pair beautifully with Calico Slaw for a unique lunch spread. For an added touch, drizzle with maple cream frosting or enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apricot squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until heated through, restoring their delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luscious Apricot Squares contains roughly 651 calories, with 10g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2317mg per serving (101% 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?
Fresh apricots are too juicy for this recipe, as the moisture content would alter the texture of the squares. Dried apricots provide the right consistency and sweetness needed. If you want to experiment with fresh apricots, consider drying them first or using a different recipe designed for fresh fruit.
How can I make these squares gluten-free?
To make these apricot squares gluten-free, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure that the blend has xanthan gum included for better structure. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
What other nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can easily swap the chopped nuts for other varieties such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds depending on your preference. Each type of nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the apricot squares. For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut in place of nuts.
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).