Why You’ll Love Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds. The base features a coconut-infused shortbread crust, providing a rich and buttery foundation. A generous layer of apricot preserves adds a sweet and tangy contrast, while chopped pecans introduce a satisfying crunch. Topped with a crumbly streusel made from the same shortbread dough, these bars offer a delightful combination of gooey and crunchy elements in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a treat for a special occasion or a simple dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon sea salt
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1½ cups shredded coconut
18 oz jar apricot preserves
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sea salt, mixing until well combined.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and shredded coconut to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
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Reserve Dough: Set aside 1¼ cups of the dough to use as a topping later.
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Press Dough into Baking Dish: Evenly press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
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Add Apricot Preserves: Spread the apricot preserves evenly over the crust layer.
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Add Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the apricot layer.
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Top with Reserved Dough: Crumble the reserved dough over the nuts, covering the entire surface.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the preserves are bubbly.
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Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 1–2 hours before slicing.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 24 bars.
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
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Baking Time: 30–35 minutes.
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Cooling Time: At least 1 hour.
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Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Variations
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Fruit Filling: Substitute apricot preserves with other fruit preserves like peach, raspberry, or strawberry for a different flavor profile.
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Nut Substitutes: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a different taste, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of pecans.
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Coconut Flakes: For added texture, use large flake coconut instead of shredded coconut.
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Spiced Version: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a spiced twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, refrigerate the bars for up to 1 week.
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Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut, but consider reducing the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before cutting?
Refrigerating the bars before cutting helps them set and makes slicing easier, especially since they have a gooey texture.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios can be used as alternatives to pecans, depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the baking dish or lining it with parchment paper will help prevent the bars from sticking and make removal easier.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Are these bars suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, their festive flavors make them a perfect addition to holiday cookie trays or as a dessert for gatherings.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
While apricot preserves are traditional, adding a layer of sliced fresh fruit like peaches or berries can enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make the bars more decadent?
Drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars or adding a layer of cream cheese frosting can add an extra indulgent touch.
Can I use homemade apricot preserves?
Yes, homemade apricot preserves can be used in this recipe for a more personalized flavor.
Conclusion
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the richness of shortbread, the sweetness of apricots, and the crunch of nuts. Their gooey texture and flavorful layers make them a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just because, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars
Delight in these rich and gooey bars featuring a coconut shortbread crust, a layer of apricot preserves, and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for any occasion, these treats offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- For the topping:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 jar (18 oz) apricot preserves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the unbleached all-purpose flour until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Reserve about 1 1/4 cups of the dough for the topping.
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the apricot preserves over the crust layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the apricot layer.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the top to form a streusel-like topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
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For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours before slicing.
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Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
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These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
