Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe

A delicious Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe is perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. These bars are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy apricot preserves and rich coconut, making them a crowd favorite. Their versatility allows you to use your favorite jam, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Plus, they are easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, these bars come together quickly, making them great for busy days.
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to swap out the apricot preserves for your preferred jam or fruit spread.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to serve at parties or potlucks.
• Deliciously Nutty Texture: The slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft coconut base.
• Sweet Treat for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavor and chewy texture.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan (9 x 13 inches)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure perfect results every time.
• Baking pan: A quality baking pan promotes even cooking, giving your bars a consistent texture.
• Whisk: This tool helps incorporate air into your mixture, leading to light and fluffy results.

Ingredients

A terrific coconut apricot bar that can be customized using your favorite jam.

For the Base

• ¾ cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour (see note below)
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ⅓ cups coconut, I used sweetened Angel Flake

For the Topping

• ½ cup slivered almonds, plus more to sprinkle over bars
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 13-ounce jar apricot preserves, may use other flavors

How to Make Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil or regular foil sprayed with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg

Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture. Stir in the coconut, slivered almonds, and vanilla until well blended.

Step 5: Adjust Dough Consistency

If you’d like sturdier bars, consider adding another ½ cup of flour. Some prefer up to 2 whole cups for firmer results; start with an additional ½ cup first.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan

Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 7: Spread Preserves

Spread a layer of apricot preserves over the pressed dough.

Step 8: Add Remaining Dough

Crumble or spread the remaining dough over the top of the preserves.

Step 9: Sprinkle with Almonds

If desired, sprinkle additional slivered almonds on top for extra crunch.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven at 350ºF for about 30 – 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11: Cool and Cut

Allow cooling before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Coconut Apricot Bars!

How to Serve Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe

Coconut apricot bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Their sweet and chewy texture makes them perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pairing these bars with a cup of tea or coffee enhances their flavors, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve the bars as a simple dessert after dinner. They are light yet satisfying, perfect for rounding off a meal.

At Picnics or Gatherings

• Cut the bars into smaller squares and pack them for picnics. They travel well and make for an easy shareable treat.

With Fresh Fruit

• Complement the sweetness of the bars with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges for a refreshing contrast.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each square for an extra indulgent touch that balances the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe

Achieving the perfect coconut apricot bars requires attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps in creaming with sugar more effectively, leading to a lighter texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before scooping it into the measuring cup. This prevents overly dense bars.
• Chill Dough If Needed: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
• Check Baking Time: Ovens vary; start checking your bars at 30 minutes to avoid over-baking and ensure they remain moist.
• Let Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe

Pairing side dishes with coconut apricot bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement their sweet flavor profile.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing; serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for delightful contrasts in temperature and flavor.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the bars.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside your bars for a balanced treat that mixes textures and flavors.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that offer creamy textures to balance out the sweetness.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and provide an additional layer of sweetness that pairs well with coconut.
6. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast while also enhancing the nutty flavors found in the apricot bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common pitfalls is key to perfecting your Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe.

• Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and a less fluffy texture. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right amounts for your Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your bars tough. Mix just until combined to keep them tender and delicious.
• Ignoring baking time: Ovens can vary in temperature. Check your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.
• Using the wrong pan size: A different pan size can affect cooking time and texture. Stick to the recommended 9×13-inch pan for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe

• Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for better tracking.

Reheating Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF. Warm the bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe unique?

This recipe stands out with its combination of sweet coconut and tart apricot preserves, creating a delightful flavor contrast that appeals to many palates.

Can I use other flavors of preserves?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by using raspberry, peach, or any other fruit preserve that you enjoy.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe?

If you’d like a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly or choose unsweetened coconut flakes for a milder taste.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You may use coconut oil or vegan butter as an alternative, keeping in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe are not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. You can easily switch up the jam or add nuts based on your preferences. Give them a try; they’re sure to become a favorite treat!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Coconut Apricot Bars

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with our Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe. These bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser, ideal for any occasion—from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. The rich coconut paired with vibrant apricot preserves creates a chewy texture that is both satisfying and delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can customize these bars to suit your taste by using your favorite jam or fruit spread.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 13-ounce jar apricot preserves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; gradually mix into the butter mixture.
5. Stir in coconut, slivered almonds, and vanilla extract.
6. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan and spread apricot preserves on top.
7. Crumble or spread remaining dough over the preserves, then sprinkle with additional slivered almonds if desired.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Allow cooling before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg