There is something truly irresistible about the Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe that makes it a cherished favorite in my kitchen. This delightful treat brings together the natural sweetness of dried apricots with the satisfying crunch of walnuts and the tropical hint of sweetened coconut. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, all wrapped up in a buttery crust that’s both tender and golden. Whether you’re baking for a casual family snack or a special occasion, these bars are sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one contributes to a distinct layer of flavor or texture, making the final dessert perfectly balanced and wonderfully inviting.
- ½ cup butter (softened): The foundation that gives the crust its rich, tender crumb.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp texture in the crust.
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour (divided): Provides structure for both crust and topping — divided to keep textures distinct.
- â…” cup dried apricots: Naturally sweet and chewy, these bring bright fruitiness and depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the topping and add moisture for a soft, custardy finish.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Gives the topping a subtle molasses flavor and keeps it soft and luscious.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides a gentle lift to the topping for a tender bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a fragrant sweetness to the mixture.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty character that pairs beautifully with apricot.
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut: Infuses each bite with tropical notes and chewy texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For a final dusting or coating that adds a pretty, sweet finish.
How to Make Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Apricots
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, or better yet, line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. While the oven warms, place the dried apricots in a small saucepan and cover them with water. Bring this to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes until they soften beautifully. Drain well, allow them to cool slightly, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial as it transforms the apricots into a tender, juicy filling.
Step 2: Craft the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of the flour using an electric hand mixer or food processor. Mix these until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs — this is the very base of your bars and will bake into a wonderfully crumbly, tender crust. Press this crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a consistent layer. Pop this into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a lovely light golden color.
Step 3: Whip Up the Topping
While the crust is baking, prepare the topping by beating together the eggs, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining â…“ cup flour with baking powder and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, stirring only until incorporated. This keeps your topping tender and moist.
Step 4: Add the Apricots, Walnuts, and Coconut
Now for the magic touch — fold in the chopped apricots, crunchy walnuts, and sweetened flaked coconut into the topping mixture. The blend of chewy fruit, crunchy nuts, and tropical coconut creates an irresistible combination that’s loaded with texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
As soon as your crust comes out of the oven, spread this luscious topping evenly over the warm base. Return the pan to the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed up, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent filling your kitchen will be a lovely mix of buttery crust, fragrant vanilla, and toasted walnuts.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut into 16 delightful bars. For that final enticing touch, either roll each bar in powdered sugar or sprinkle a light dusting over the top to bring out the sweetness and add a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe
Garnishes
When serving these bars, a dusting of powdered sugar is simple and elegant. For extra flair, a few toasted walnut halves or a sprinkle of flaked coconut on top can elevate the presentation and add an extra crunch that makes each serving sparkle.
Side Dishes
These bars work wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, balancing the nutty sweetness with creamy coolness. A cup of rich coffee or fragrant tea makes a perfect companion, turning any break into a special moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter with small forks. You can also layer them in clear glass jars or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep them covered to maintain their moist, tender texture and avoid any drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze well. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your bars warm, simply thaw frozen bars at room temperature, then heat them in a microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300-degree oven for 5–7 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and makes the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts make delicious alternatives. Just make sure to chop them similarly to the walnuts to keep the texture consistent.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy this Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe without gluten. Just be aware that texture might change slightly but will still taste fantastic.
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Fresh apricots will add lovely juiciness, but you’ll want to reduce the added water during cooking or skip the soaking step. Chop them finely and consider slightly increasing the flour to maintain the bar’s structure.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for about three days. Refrigeration can extend this to a week but may slightly affect the texture.
What is the best way to chop the dried apricots?
After softening and draining, chopping them into small, uniform pieces ensures even distribution and balanced bites — about ¼-inch pieces work perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyful about baking the Apricot Bars with Walnuts and Coconut Recipe. It’s a recipe that fills the home with warmth and the promise of something sweet and satisfying. I encourage you to try making these bars and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire—trust me, they are hard to resist!
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
These Apricot Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crumb crust with a sweet and fruity apricot filling, enriched with walnuts and coconut for added texture. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, they make an irresistible snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Filling
- â…” cup dried apricots
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut
Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and 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 the Apricots: Place the dried apricots in a small saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain well, allow to cool, and chop into small pieces.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of flour using an electric hand mixer or food processor until coarse crumbs form. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: While the crust bakes, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the remaining â…“ cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture until just incorporated.
- Add the Apricot Mixture: Fold the chopped apricots, walnuts, and sweetened flaked coconut into the batter carefully to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the apricot filling evenly over the hot crust immediately after removing it from the oven. Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Remove bars from the pan and dust or roll each bar in powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the apricots are well drained and cooled before chopping to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges when cutting the bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra texture, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
- These bars can be served as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast option.
