Best Apricot Walnut Bars Recipes

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APRICOT WALNUT BARS



Apricot Walnut Bars image

These moist bars have a great flavor. Everyone in my family loves them, and I get lots of requests for the recipe. -Kim Gilliland, Simi Valley, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 16 bars.

Number Of Ingredients 12

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 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Additional confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, cook apricots in water over medium heat for 10 minutes or until softened. Drain, cool and chop; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup flour until well blended. , Press into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake at 350° until lightly browned, about 20 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar until blended. Beat in vanilla. In a small bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, and remaining flour; gradually add to egg mixture. Stir in apricots and nuts. Pour over crust. , Bake at 350° until set, about 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar; cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 121mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

APRICOT WALNUT BARS



Apricot Walnut Bars image

Categories     Fruit     Nut     Dessert     Bake     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Quick & Easy     Apricot     Walnut     Vanilla     Fall     Winter     Edible Gift     Cinnamon     Gourmet     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 32 bars

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup apricot preserves
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (3 oz)

Steps:

  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line with 1 sheet of foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 opposite sides, then butter foil.
  • Pulse flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal with some roughly pea-size butter lumps. Add yolks and vanilla and pulse just until clumps of dough form, about 30 seconds.
  • Press three fourths of dough evenly onto bottom of pan, then spread with apricot preserves. Crumble remaining dough over preserves and sprinkle evenly with walnuts.
  • Bake until top is golden brown and preserves are bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack. Lift from pan by grasping both ends of foil. Cut into 32 bars and lift bars off foil with a spatula.

Apricot walnut bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be prepared in the comfort of your own home. These bars are perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and tasty snack that is easy to make and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The combination of apricots and walnuts creates a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, making these bars a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of apricots and walnuts, how to make apricot walnut bars, and some ways to switch up the recipe to suit your taste.

The Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are a versatile fruit that is packed with nutrients. They are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber, which are essential nutrients for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting off disease. Apricots are also good for promoting healthy skin and eyesight. Additionally, apricots contain antioxidants, which are known to help prevent cancer and heart disease.

The Benefits of Walnuts

Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also packed with important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. Some studies have shown that consuming walnuts can lower cholesterol levels, aid in weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Ingredients for Apricot Walnut Bars

To make apricot walnut bars, you will need:
  • 2 cups of dried apricots
  • 1 cup of walnuts
  • 1/4 cup of honey
  • 1/2 cup of rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp. of salt
  • 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon

Instructions for Making Apricot Walnut Bars

1. In a food processor, pulse the dried apricots and walnuts until a crumbly texture forms. 2. Add in honey, rolled oats, salt, and cinnamon, and pulse again until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. 3. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking dish with parchment paper. 4. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. 5. Let the bars cool before cutting into squares, and serve!

Variations to the Recipe

If you want to switch up the recipe to suit your taste, here are a few ideas:
  • Add in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.
  • Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan option.
  • Try adding some dried cranberries or raisins for extra flavor.
  • For a chocolatey twist, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it on top of the bars, or mix some chocolate chips into the dough.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apricot walnut bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by all. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, these bars are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still staying healthy. Whether you stick to the original recipe or switch it up to your liking, apricot walnut bars are sure to be a hit!
Apricot walnut bars are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They are made using a combination of dried apricots, walnuts, oats and other ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and easy-to-make snack that can be enjoyed on-the-go. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips to help you make the best apricot walnut bars.

Tip 1: Choosing the right apricots

When making apricot walnut bars, it is important to choose the right type of apricots. You should use dried apricots that are moist and plump. Avoid using apricots that are dry and hard, as they will not provide the same level of sweetness and moisture. Look for apricots that are bright in color and have a soft texture.

Tip 2: Adding sweetness

Dried apricots are already sweet, but you can add some extra sweetness by using honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners will not only add flavor, but they will also help to bind the ingredients together. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or maple syrup.

Tip 3: Using the right nuts

Walnuts are a great choice for apricot walnut bars, as they have a slightly bitter taste that complements the sweetness of the apricots. You can also use almonds, cashews, or any other type of nuts that you like. It is important to chop the nuts finely so that they can be easily mixed with the other ingredients.

Tip 4: Using the right oats

When making apricot walnut bars, it is important to use rolled oats instead of instant oats. Rolled oats have a coarser texture, which helps to give the bars a chewy texture. Instant oats will not provide the same level of texture and may make the bars too soft.

Tip 5: Adding texture

To add texture to your apricot walnut bars, you can add shredded coconut or chia seeds. These ingredients will not only add texture, but they will also enhance the flavor of the bars. You can also add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.

Tip 6: Using a food processor

A food processor is an essential tool when making apricot walnut bars. It will help you to chop the apricots and nuts evenly, which will help to ensure that the bars hold together well. If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the ingredients by hand, but it may take longer.

Tip 7: Pressing the mixture down firmly

When making apricot walnut bars, it is important to press the mixture down firmly into the baking dish. This will help to ensure that the bars hold together well and do not crumble. You can use a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to press the mixture down evenly.

Tip 8: Cooling the bars

After baking the apricot walnut bars, it is important to let them cool completely in the baking dish. This will help the bars to set and hold together well. If you try to remove the bars from the baking dish before they have completely cooled, they may fall apart.

Tip 9: Storing the bars

Apricot walnut bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing them.

Conclusion

Apricot walnut bars are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. By following these valuable tips, you can make the best apricot walnut bars that are chewy, sweet, and packed with flavor. So, get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy snack that will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.

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