If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances fruity sweetness, nutty crunch, and a hint of tropical charm, the Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars combine tender apricots, toasted walnuts, and fragrant coconut to create a symphony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you want a snack to share at a gathering or a cozy dessert to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this recipe promises a memorable and utterly satisfying experience that’s both simple and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to crafting these scrumptious bars. Each element, from the softness of apricots to the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of coconut, plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in this recipe.
- Butter (½ cup softened): Brings richness and helps form the tender crumbly crust.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances browning in the crust.
- All-purpose flour (1â…“ cups, divided): Provides structure and texture for both crust and filling layers.
- Dried apricots (â…” cup): The star ingredient that gives fruity sweetness and chewy texture.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the filling ingredients and contribute to its smooth, custardy consistency.
- Brown sugar (1 cup packed): Deepens sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor in the filling.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Ensures a subtle rise to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity to the filling’s flavor profile.
- Chopped walnuts (½ cup): Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
- Sweetened flaked coconut (½ cup): Adds tropical aroma and chewy texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For dusting the finished bars and adding an elegant, sweet finish.
How to Make Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars will lift smoothly from the pan without sticking, giving you perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Soften the Apricots
Next, place your dried apricots in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the apricots soften. After draining, allow them to cool completely before chopping. This soaking process transforms the apricots from chewy to lush and tender, making every bite a delightful burst of fruity flavor.
Step 3: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of the flour using an electric mixer or food processor. Blend until coarse crumbs form, which will create a wonderfully crumbly crust. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. This pre-baked crust sets a perfect foundation for your delicious filling.
Step 4: Whisk the Filling Base
While the crust is baking, beat together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This base is the soul of the filling, delivering sweetness and structure.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk the remaining â…“ cup of flour with the baking powder and salt. Gently stir these dry ingredients into your egg mixture just until everything is combined. This careful mixing prevents overworking the batter, ensuring a tender texture for your bars.
Step 6: Fold in the Special Ingredients
Carefully fold chopped apricots, chopped walnuts, and flaked coconut into your filling mixture. This is the moment all the savory crunch, chewiness, and tropical essence come together. Then, spread this luscious mixture evenly over the still-hot crust to create a layered masterpiece.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Return your baking dish to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks puffed and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. This baking step sets the filling while encouraging the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For that final touch, lift each bar and roll or sprinkle it with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy coating. This delightful finish enhances the visual appeal and adds a gentle sweetness to every bite.
How to Serve Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are simply stunning on their own, but you can make them extra special by adding a light dusting of cinnamon powder or a drizzle of honey. Fresh mint leaves or toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top can also elevate their flavor and presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your apricot bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a wedge of sharp cheddar cheese for an unexpected but delightful contrast. A warm cup of tea or coffee complements their sweet, nutty richness perfectly, making for a wonderful snack-session or dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter to invite vibrant visual appeal. Layer them with fresh fruits like sliced kiwi or berries for a fresh burst of color. For parties, arrange small bites on decorative toothpicks for easy, elegant finger food that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These apricot bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for about a week. Storing them properly helps maintain their moist texture and keeps the nuts from going stale, so you can enjoy them whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or in portions using plastic wrap and then foil. Store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours and enjoy as if freshly baked.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your thawed bars in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave them briefly on low power for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the edges and revives the lovely flavors and textures you adore.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh apricots for dried apricots in this recipe?
While fresh apricots provide juiciness, the recipe is designed around dried apricots for their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture. If you want to experiment, reduce sugar slightly and ensure the fresh apricots are finely chopped and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Are these apricot bars gluten-free?
The traditional Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend, but keep in mind texture may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
You can substitute chopped seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for walnuts to retain some crunch without the risk of allergens. Alternatively, increase the coconut amount to keep the texture interesting.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the crust?
Yes, pre-baking the crust sets a firm base that prevents sogginess once the filling is added. It also develops a lovely golden color and buttery flavor that complements the top layer perfectly.
How long do these apricot bars stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about a week in the fridge and up to 3 months if frozen. Their flavors even deepen a bit when allowed to rest overnight.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe a try because it’s one of those timeless delights that never fail to brighten any occasion. The luscious apricots, rich walnuts, and sweet coconut come together in perfect harmony, creating a bar that’s as comforting as it is joyful. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these bars bring that special homemade touch with every bite.
Print
Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Apricot Bars featuring a buttery crust topped with a luscious mixture of chopped apricots, walnuts, and coconut. Sweetened with brown sugar and vanilla, these bars bake to a golden perfection and are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- â…” cup dried apricots
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
For Finishing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Soften Apricots: Place the dried apricots in a small saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for about 10 minutes until the apricots are softened. Drain the apricots thoroughly, let them cool, then chop finely.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour using an electric hand mixer or food processor until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes until it is lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: While the crust is baking, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining â…“ cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir these dry ingredients into the egg mixture just until incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
- Add Apricots and Nuts: Fold the chopped apricots, walnuts, and sweetened flaked coconut into the batter. Spread this filling evenly over the hot crust immediately after removing it from the oven.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars. Remove the bars from the pan and either roll them in powdered sugar or sprinkle the powdered sugar on top to coat them nicely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the apricots well after simmering to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- The powdered sugar coating adds a nice sweetness and a pretty finish but can be omitted if desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
