If you love a treat that combines the perfect balance of fruity sweetness, nutty crunch, and a hint of tropical flair, this Apricot Walnut Coconut Bars Recipe is going to become your new go-to snack or dessert. These bars bring together tender apricots, toasted walnuts, and shredded coconut into a luscious, chewy delight with a buttery crust base. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade and special every single time you take a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures each bar bursts with layers of texture and flavor. Every component works harmoniously—from the rich butter and brown sugar creating the perfect sweet foundation, to the bright apricots and crunchy walnuts adding character and color.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Creates a tender, buttery crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust.
- 1â…“ cups all-purpose flour (divided): Provides structure and balance for both the crust and filling.
- â…” cup dried apricots: Soaked and chopped, they bring juicy, tangy bursts of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and give the bars a soft, cake-like texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep, caramel undertones and moistness to the filling.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the filling rise and puff up nicely while baking.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors in the bars.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Offers a crunchy texture and rich earthiness contrasting the chewy layers.
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut: Infuses a subtle tropical sweetness and chewy delight.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used to dust or roll the bars, giving a pretty, sweet finish.
How to Make Apricot Walnut Coconut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Soften the Apricots
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick spray or parchment. Meanwhile, soak the dried apricots in boiling water, letting them soften for about 10 minutes before chopping them finely. This soaking step is crucial to ensure the apricots stay juicy and tender inside your bars.
Step 2: Create the Buttery Crust
Mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into your baking dish and bake it just until golden around the edges. This crisp, buttery base is delightfully sturdy and slightly sweet—a perfect foundation for the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling Mixture
While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, combine the remaining flour with baking powder and salt, then gently stir this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Folding in the softened apricots, walnuts, and coconut at this stage ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the filling evenly over the hot crust right after it comes out of the oven. Pop the pan back in and bake for about 30 minutes, until the filling is puffed, golden, and a toothpick comes out clean. This step melds all those delicious elements together into a perfect, bars-worthy treat.
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Finish
Once baked, cool your bars completely before slicing into squares. Roll or sprinkle each piece generously with powdered sugar, adding an inviting touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation.
How to Serve Apricot Walnut Coconut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning garnish, a dusting of powdered sugar works wonders. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a light brush of apricot jam for an extra glossy finish. A few toasted walnut halves or a sprinkle of finely shredded coconut make elegant toppings too.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert. For a snack, enjoy them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, which complements their sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Apricot Walnut Coconut Bars Recipe on a decorative platter garnished with fresh apricot slices and mint leaves. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for parties or wrap individual bars in parchment paper for lovely grab-and-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, ensuring they stay fresh and chewy. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigeration is recommended to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat that tastes just like freshly baked.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your bars warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly. This revives the buttery flavors and makes the coconut and walnuts extra fragrant.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in the Apricot Walnut Coconut Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds, and dried apricots can be replaced with dried peaches or aprium for a different fruity twist. Just keep the quantities similar to maintain texture.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the baking powder you use is also gluten-free, and your bars will be just as delicious.
Can these bars be made vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace butter with a plant-based margarine, use flax eggs or another egg substitute, and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified.
What’s the best way to chop the apricots and nuts?
Chop the apricots into small pieces after soaking to ensure they spread evenly in the bar. For walnuts, a rough chop works best to maintain that satisfying crunch without overpowering each bite.
How long do the bars keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars remain fresh and tasty for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature, and up to a week refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
This Apricot Walnut Coconut Bars Recipe is truly one of those gems that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, these bars bring joy with every chewy, nutty, sweet bite. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a go enough—once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Apricot Walnut Coconut Bars 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 feature a buttery crust topped with a sweet and tangy apricot filling, enhanced by walnuts and flaked coconut. Perfect for a delightful dessert or snack, these bars combine chewy dried apricots with a tender crumb and a dusting of powdered sugar for a deliciously satisfying treat.
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 Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease 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 and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes until the apricots are softened. Drain them thoroughly, let cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of the flour. Use an electric mixer or food processor to blend until coarse crumbs form. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling Mixture: While the crust bakes, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining â…“ cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir these into the egg mixture just until incorporated.
- Add Apricots and Mix-ins: Fold the cooled chopped apricots, walnuts, and flaked coconut into the filling mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Immediately spread the filling evenly over the hot crust once it is out of the oven. Return the 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 and either roll them in powdered sugar or sprinkle powdered sugar on top to coat before serving.
Notes
- For easier removal, line the baking dish with parchment paper extending over the sides.
- You can substitute chopped pecans or almonds for walnuts if preferred.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- If dried apricots are particularly sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly to balance flavors.
