Apricot Bars are a delightful treat with a moist and flavorful texture that Kim Gilliland from Simi Valley, California, holds dear to her heart. Loved by her family and highly sought-after, these bars are a beloved favorite for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS:
- ⅔ cup dried apricots
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Additional confectioners’ sugar
PREPARATIONS:
- In a small saucepan, simmer the dried apricots in water over medium heat for 10 minutes or until softened. Once softened, drain, cool, and chop the apricots. Set them aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of flour to the mixture, blending it well.
- Press the mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake the crust at 350°F for 20 minutes or until it turns lightly browned.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the 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 remaining flour with baking powder and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the egg mixture.
- Stir in the chopped apricots and chopped walnuts, creating a flavorful filling.
- Pour the prepared filling over the crust once it has baked for 20 minutes. Spread the filling evenly over the crust.
- Continue baking the Apricot Bars at 350°F for an additional 30 minutes or until the filling is set.
- After baking, cool the bars on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar and cut the bars into individual portions.
YIELD: 16 bars
PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Grease the baking dish before pressing the crust mixture to prevent sticking.
TIPS:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of grated orange zest to the filling.
- Serve these Apricot Bars as a delightful accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
In conclusion, Apricot Bars are a delectable and beloved treat cherished by Kim Gilliland from Simi Valley, California. With their moist and flavorful texture, these bars have become a family favorite and are consistently sought-after by friends and loved ones.
The recipe begins with simmering dried apricots in water until they turn tender. Once cooled and chopped, these delightful apricots are set aside.
The crust is created by creaming softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, after which 1 cup of flour is gradually added to the mixture. The crust is pressed into a greased 8-inch square baking dish and baked until it takes on a lovely light brown hue.
Next comes the delightful filling, prepared by beating eggs and brown sugar together and stirring in vanilla extract. The remaining flour is combined with baking powder and salt, and this dry mixture is then gradually added to the egg mixture. The chopped apricots and chopped walnuts are incorporated into the filling, creating a delectable blend of flavors and textures.
The filling is poured over the crust and baked until it sets, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apricots.
Once cooled, the Apricot Bars are topped with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, ready to be cut into individual bars.
For an additional flavor twist, consider adding a touch of grated orange zest to the filling.
These Apricot Bars are perfect companions to a cup of tea or coffee, making for a comforting and delightful treat.
Apricot trees, like many other crops in California, were introduced by Spanish missionaries and first planted at missions. Originally native to China, apricots traveled to Spain and other Mediterranean countries before becoming a cherished fruit in California.
So, try these delightful Apricot Bars and savor the heavenly combination of flavors that have won the hearts of many and continue to be treasured with every bite.
