These moist bars have such a great flavor. My family loves them, and I get lots of requests for the recipe.
Apricot bars are a delightful and satisfying treat that combines the sweetness of dried apricots with a buttery crust. These bars have a soft and chewy texture, making them a perfect choice for a snack or dessert. The combination of flavors and textures in these bars is sure to please both apricot lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
The exact origin and history of apricot bars are unclear, but similar fruit-based bar recipes have been enjoyed for many years. Apricots are a fruit with a rich history and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are believed to have originated in Central Asia and were later brought to other regions of the world, including Europe and North America.
Apricot bars gained popularity as a way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of apricots in a convenient and portable form. The bars often feature a buttery crust that provides a sturdy base for the apricot filling. These bars can be enjoyed as a simple treat or dressed up with additional toppings or glazes.
PREP: 15 MIN.
BAKE: 50 MIN.
MAKES: 16 BARS
INGREDIENTS
- 2/3 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Additional confectioners’ sugar for dusting
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the apricot filling:
- In a small saucepan, cook the dried apricots in water over medium heat for 10 minutes or until softened.
- Drain the apricots, let them cool, and then chop them into smaller pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the crust:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add 1 cup of flour to the butter mixture, blending it well.
- Press the crust mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
- Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Prepare the apricot bar filling:
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar together until well blended.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another small bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, and the remaining flour.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in the chopped apricots and walnuts.
- Assemble and bake the bars:
- Pour the apricot bar filling mixture over the baked crust in the baking dish.
- Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until set.
- Once baked, cool the bars on a wire rack.
- Dust the cooled bars with confectioners’ sugar.
- Cut the bars into desired shapes or sizes.
Indulge in the delightful Apricot Bars, enjoying the combination of the buttery crust, sweet apricot filling, and crunchy walnuts. These bars are perfect for snacking, sharing with friends and family, or packing as a delicious treat on the go. The dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch.