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

Time 1h5m

Yield 16 bars.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

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.