Indulge in the irresistible allure of our **Coconut Apricot Bars**, a sublime treat where layers of buttery, almond-infused cookie dough meet sweet, tangy apricot preserves. These bars offer a symphony of textures and flavors that are truly unforgettable. If finding perfectly ripe, juicy fresh apricots proves challenging in your area, these delightful jam bars present the ultimate solution to satisfy your cravings, bringing the essence of summer fruit to your kitchen any time of year.
I recently had the pleasure of attending a dynamic food blogger conference in vibrant Chicago, an event filled with culinary inspiration and networking. During my very first blogger recipe swap, I decided to share these exquisite **Apricot Jam Bars**, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe mean you can effortlessly customize it with your favorite preserves, making it a versatile staple for any baker.
Why These Coconut Apricot Bars Are a Must-Bake Dessert
As a passionate baker and food enthusiast, the opportunity to create treats for fellow foodies is always a delightful challenge. Attending my inaugural Eat Write Retreat blogger conference in Chicago was a momentous occasion, and one of its most exciting optional events was a highly anticipated food swap. I knew I needed to bring something truly special, a dessert that would not only impress but also stand out amongst a sea of incredible culinary creations.
My criteria for the perfect swap item were clear: it had to be undeniably scrumptious, easily portable for travel, and visually appealing to catch the eye. Crucially, this event also served as a perfect excuse to bake treats that my own family, bless their hearts, sometimes overlooks. They aren’t always keen on apricots, coconut, or nuts – a flavor combination I personally adore! Thus, my gaze naturally fell upon this exceptional recipe for buttery, layered coconut apricot bars. They promised to be the ideal indulgence to share with both cherished old friends and exciting new connections within the blogging community.
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The lucky participant who received my bars at the swap recounted how she savored them after her morning run. She raved about their buttery richness and how they practically melted in her mouth. Indeed, these **apricot coconut bars** are a testament to deliciousness, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and nutty notes.
- A Unique Gathering Treat: Apricot desserts are a delightful rarity, often overlooked in the vast world of sweets. These bars are therefore perfect for any gathering or potluck where you wish to bring something truly distinctive and memorable, yet guaranteed to earn widespread praise and admiration. They’re a refreshing alternative to more common cookie bar recipes.
- Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: Despite their sophisticated flavor and layered appearance, these bars are remarkably straightforward to make. Their simple preparation makes them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels, allowing you to whip up an impressive dessert without any fuss.
- Customizable to Your Taste: While apricot preserves are the star here, the versatility of this recipe means you can easily swap them out for your favorite fruit preserves. Imagine them with raspberry, strawberry, or even a mixed berry blend! This adaptability ensures you can enjoy a fresh take on these delicious bars whenever inspiration strikes.
For expert tips on achieving impeccably clean and perfect slices, essential for gifting or presenting your beautiful dessert, be sure to check out how to cut the perfect cookie bars.
Experience the Divine Delight of Our Layered Coconut Apricot Bars
There’s a special kind of joy that comes when a recipe not only meets but utterly surpasses all expectations. These tender, rich bars are a prime example. Each bite is a delightful journey through a symphony of textures and flavors: the smooth, vibrant apricot jam, the crumbly, buttery cookie dough, the satisfying crunch of almonds, and the subtle chewiness of coconut. This intricate layering of ingredients just made me swoon with delight. It was a genuine relief to know I was packing the vast majority of them to share at the convention, otherwise, I doubt many would have made it past my kitchen!
The reception at the conference was truly heartwarming. One fellow blogger approached me the morning after the swap, eagerly telling me she had already started following my blog just to get her hands on this very recipe. She sheepishly admitted that her intention was to enjoy just one bar, but somehow, all three she took disappeared without a trace! Another very fit and health-conscious friend confessed that she tried her best not to dwell on the butter content as she slowly savored every single, delectable bite. These anecdotes truly underscore the irresistible charm and universal appeal of these homemade treats.
While I advocate for moderation in all things delicious, I wholeheartedly declare that **these easy bar cookies are absolutely worth every single indulgence!** They’re more than just a dessert; they’re an experience, a perfect blend of comfort and elegance that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Apricot Bar Cookies Every Time
Baking bar cookies might seem straightforward, but a few professional tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely outstanding. Pay attention to these details to ensure your **Coconut Apricot Bars** are as perfect as they can be:
- PRO- Tip: Prepare Your Pan with Non-Stick Foil. This is perhaps the most crucial step for easy removal and clean cuts. Lining your 9×13 baking pan with non-stick foil is a game-changer. It not only prevents the sticky jam from adhering to the sides of the pan but also allows you to effortlessly lift the entire slab of baked bars onto your cutting board. For even better results, leave an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. If non-stick foil isn’t available, regular foil sprayed thoroughly with cooking spray will also work effectively.
- Chill for Pristine Slices: Due to their rich, buttery, and tender nature, these bars are best when chilled thoroughly before attempting to remove them from the pan and slice. Cold bars are significantly easier to cut into neat, uniform squares, ensuring a beautiful presentation. While chilling helps with cutting, they truly taste their best when served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully bloom.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: As with most baking endeavors, using room temperature ingredients will result in a much smoother, more cohesive batter. The butter, in particular, should be soft enough to cream easily with the sugar, but not so warm that it appears greasy or begins to melt. This balance ensures proper emulsification and a tender crumb.
- Adjust Pan Size for Thicker Bars: If you prefer a slightly thicker bar with a more substantial base and crumble, consider baking this recipe in an 11 x 7-inch pan instead of the standard 9×13. Be aware that this will require a longer baking time due to the increased depth. To compensate for the extended baking duration and prevent over-browning, it’s a wise practice to reduce your oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C).
- PRO- Tip: Embrace Flavor Versatility with Other Preserves. While apricot preserves offer a classic and delightful flavor, you are certainly not limited to them. These bars will be just as amazing and equally scrumptious with a variety of other favorite jams or preserves. Experiment with raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or even a fig preserve for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Preserves vs. Jam – A Texture Difference: I specifically recommend using apricot preserves over apricot jam in this recipe. Preserves typically contain small chunks of fruit, which add a wonderful textural dimension that you simply can’t achieve with the smoother consistency of jam. This subtle difference significantly enhances the overall experience of the bar.
- For a Sturdier Bar: It’s important to note that these apricot crumb bars are designed to be wonderfully tender and delicate, a characteristic owed to the generous amounts of butter and fruit preserves. For the best handling and presentation, it’s advisable to leave them in the baking pan until they are completely cooled and you are ready to serve. If you desire a firmer, sturdier bar that holds its shape more robustly, some readers have found success by adding an extra 2-4 tablespoons of flour to the dough mixture. This small adjustment can significantly impact the bar’s structure.
- Optimal Storage and Freezing: To maintain freshness, store the cooled bars right in their baking pan, covered tightly with foil, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these versatile bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply defrost them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and edges. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, diminishing their tender quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Bars
For optimal freshness and to prevent them from becoming too soft, these delectable bars should be stored in an airtight container. They can certainly be kept at room temperature on the counter for a day or two, but as highlighted in our tips, I personally recommend keeping them refrigerated. When properly stored in the refrigerator, they will remain delicious for up to 3 days. For longer-term enjoyment, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Always defrost them in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor preservation.
Don’t let any leftover apricot preserves go to waste! Their sweet and slightly tart flavor makes them incredibly versatile. Here are a few delightful ideas: Try a generous smear of apricot preserves on a classic ham and cheese sandwich for an unexpected sweet-salty flavor explosion. Use them to create a beautiful glaze for roasted carrots or a holiday ham, adding a touch of elegant sweetness. They also make a fantastic, fruity filling for delicate thumbprint cookies. For a sophisticated appetizer, incorporate apricot preserves as a delicious element in a pastry-wrapped Baked Brie, offering a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese.
While this recipe is specifically designed to highlight the convenience and concentrated flavor of apricot preserves, using fresh apricots is a possibility with some adjustments. You would need to cook down and sweeten fresh apricots to create a thick, jam-like consistency, reducing their moisture content to prevent the bars from becoming soggy. Alternatively, you could finely dice fresh apricots, toss them with a little sugar and cornstarch, and layer them in, though the texture and moisture content will be different from using preserves. For the true spirit of this recipe, preserves are recommended for their ease and consistent results.
The exceptional tenderness of these apricot bars comes from a combination of factors. Firstly, the generous amount of butter in the cookie dough creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base and crumble. Secondly, the moisture from the apricot preserves contributes to the overall soft and delicate texture. The careful balance of flour also plays a role in preventing them from becoming dry or overly crumbly. For those who prefer a firmer bar, a slight increase in flour can help achieve a sturdier consistency without sacrificing the delightful flavor.
Explore More Delicious Bar Cookie Recipes
Bar cookies are a fantastic baking solution when you’re short on time but still want to create a crowd-plepleasing dessert. They generally require less fuss and time than baking individual cookies, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth with minimal effort. Dive into some of my other favorite bar cookie recipes and discover new ways to delight your friends and family:
- Caramel Magic Cookie Bars from Love from the Oven — Who can ever resist the classic magic cookie bar? But imagine it elevated with rich, gooey caramel – an absolutely incredible twist on a beloved favorite!
- White Chocolate Raspberry Bars — A delightful combination of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries, these bars are elegant, fruity, and utterly irresistible, offering a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Caramel Stuffed Rice Krispie Treats — Take your favorite childhood treat to a new level of indulgence with a surprise caramel center. These chewy, sweet squares are a guaranteed hit with all ages.
- Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars — Layers of rich shortbread, decadent caramel, and chocolate chip cookie dough create a truly luxurious bar that lives up to its “billionaire” name.
- Fresh Peach Pie Bars — Enjoy all the comforting flavors of a homemade peach pie in a convenient bar form. These are perfect for showcasing seasonal fresh peaches.
- Caramel Apple Pie Toffee Bars — A autumnal dream come true, these bars combine the warm spices of apple pie with gooey caramel and crunchy toffee for a truly decadent experience.
- Hot Fudge Cheesecake Bars — Creamy cheesecake meets rich hot fudge in this utterly divine bar recipe. It’s a dessert for chocolate and cheesecake lovers alike, offering pure bliss in every bite.
- More Irresistible Bar Cookie Recipes — Discover an entire collection of easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bar cookie recipes to satisfy every craving and occasion.
Stay connected and share your culinary creations with us! Follow me on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag us when you try one of my delicious recipes! If you love the results, please consider leaving a 5-star rating in the recipe card below – your feedback means the world to us.
Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe: Easy Layered Dessert
15 minutes
35 minutes
50 minutes
24 bars
An absolutely delightful and easy coconut apricot bar recipe that’s effortlessly customizable with your favorite fruit jam or preserves. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Coconut Apricot Bars
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour* (see note below for variations)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ⅓ cups shredded coconut, sweetened (such as Angel Flake)
- ½ cup slivered almonds, plus extra for sprinkling on top
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 13-ounce jar quality apricot preserves (feel free to use other fruit flavors)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apricot Bars
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. If using regular foil, spray it thoroughly with cooking spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg: Beat in the egg until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in Flavorings: Stir in the sweetened coconut, slivered almonds, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Adjust for Sturdiness (Optional): If you prefer a sturdier bar, you can add an additional ½ cup of flour to the batter at this stage. Mix until just incorporated.
- Press Base Layer: Press two-thirds of the prepared cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan.
- Spread Preserves: Carefully spread the entire jar of apricot preserves over the pressed dough layer, ensuring an even coating.
- Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining one-third of the cookie dough evenly over the top of the apricot preserves.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle an extra handful of slivered almonds over the crumble topping for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner slices, chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before lifting the entire block of bars out using the foil overhang and cutting into neat squares. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes for Your Best Coconut Apricot Bars
The original recipe yields a deliciously tender and delicate bar. Some readers, aiming for a firmer texture, have experimented with adding more flour. If you prefer a sturdier bar that holds its shape more robustly, consider adding an additional ½ cup of all-purpose flour to the dough mixture (making a total of 1.5 cups flour). If you desire an even firmer result, you could go up to 2 cups of flour in total. Adjusting the flour content can significantly impact the final texture, so experiment to find your ideal consistency. Remember, chilled bars are always easier to cut cleanly!
Recommended Products for Easy Baking
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer
- Nonstick Foil
- 9 x 13 Baking Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24
Serving Size:
1 bar
Amount Per Serving (Estimated):
Calories: 176Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
Please note: Nutritional information provided by Thatskinnychickcanbake.com is an estimate only, offered as a courtesy. This data is typically generated by online calculators and may vary based on specific product brands, ingredient substitutions, and exact quantities used in your preparation. Optional toppings or variations suggested in the recipe are not always included in the calculation. For the most accurate nutritional assessment, we recommend calculating the values based on the precise ingredients and amounts you utilize. You are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy of any nutritional information before relying on it.
HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest