Craving a dessert that’s both uniquely delicious and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these spectacular Coconut Apricot Bars. Imagine layers of rich, buttery cookie dough generously filled with sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and a luscious apricot preserve center. Each bite offers an unforgettable blend of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to pure bliss. If finding perfectly ripe, juicy fresh apricots is a challenge where you live, these jam bars are the ideal solution to fulfill any craving for that vibrant, tangy apricot taste. They harness the concentrated flavor of apricot preserves, making a truly irresistible treat accessible any time of year.
My journey with these delightful Apricot Jam Bars began with a food blogger conference in Chicago, an exciting event where I participated in my very first blogger recipe swap. I knew I needed to bring something truly special, a recipe that would stand out among fellow food enthusiasts. These bars received rave reviews and sparked conversations, proving their universal appeal. What’s even better is how wonderfully versatile this recipe is – you can easily tweak it with your absolute favorite fruit preserves, transforming it into a personalized masterpiece.
Why These Coconut Apricot Bars Are a Must-Bake
Baking for other foodies is always a special occasion, and for my debut at the Eat Write Retreat blogger conference in Chicago, I aimed for perfection. I had a few key criteria in mind for my contribution to the food swap: the treat had to be undeniably scrumptious, easy to transport, and visually appealing. However, I also saw this as a fantastic opportunity to bake something that my own family, with their peculiar dislikes for apricots, coconut, and nuts, might not appreciate. This made these buttery layered Coconut Apricot Bars the perfect choice to share with both cherished old friends and exciting new blogger connections.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying these bars as a true crowd-pleaser:
- The blogger who won my bars at the swap devoured them after her morning run. She gushed about their rich, buttery texture, saying they practically melted in her mouth. This melt-in-your-mouth quality is a hallmark of truly delicious bar cookies!
- Apricot desserts, despite their incredible flavor profile, are surprisingly rare. These bars offer a unique and sophisticated option for any gathering, guaranteeing rave reviews and a pleasant surprise for your guests who will appreciate something distinct from common dessert choices.
- Despite their impressive layers and gourmet appeal, these bars are incredibly straightforward to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve outstanding results, making them perfect for both novices and experienced chefs.
- They make a fantastic edible gift. Learn how to achieve perfectly uniform slices by checking out how to cut the perfect cookie bars, ensuring your presentation is as impressive as the taste.
Indulge in These Out-of-This-World Coconut Apricot Bars
It’s always a joy when a recipe surpasses all expectations, and these Coconut Apricot Bars did just that. The delicate, tender crumb combined with a delightful medley of textures – the sticky sweetness of the apricot preserves, the richness of the buttery cookie dough, the subtle crunch of almonds, and the chewy sweetness of coconut – made me utterly swoon. I was almost relieved to be packing the majority of them for the convention, otherwise, I might have eaten them all myself!
The positive feedback extended well beyond the swap. One fellow blogger approached me the morning after, eager to tell me she was now following my blog specifically to get this recipe. She even confessed that despite her intention to eat just one bar, all three that she took somehow disappeared! Another very fit friend, known for her healthy eating habits, admitted that she tried not to think about the generous amount of butter in these bars as she savored every single bite. This speaks volumes about their irresistible charm!
While moderation is always my motto when it comes to desserts, some treats are simply worth the indulgence. These easy bar cookies are definitely worth the splurge. Their complex flavors and satisfying textures make them a truly special dessert for any occasion, from casual family treats to elegant party offerings.
Pro Tips for Baking Perfect Bar Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality bar cookies at home is simpler than you might think with a few smart techniques. Here are my top tips for making these Coconut Apricot Bars, or any bar cookies, absolutely perfect every time:
- PRO- Tip: Line Your Baking Pan with Non-Stick Foil. This simple step is a game-changer. Non-stick foil prevents the jam from sticking to the sides of the pan, making cleanup a breeze. More importantly, it allows you to easily lift the entire batch of baked bars out onto a cutting board, ensuring clean, intact squares without any breakage.
- Chill for Cleaner Slices: These bars are wonderfully rich and tender, which means they can be a bit delicate right out of the oven. For the neatest, most perfect squares, always chill them thoroughly before removing them from the pan and slicing. While they’re best served at room temperature to appreciate their full flavor, cold bars are significantly easier to cut.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: As with most baking recipes, using room temperature ingredients ensures a smooth, well-combined batter. Specifically, your butter should be soft enough to cream easily with the sugar, but not so warm that it appears greasy or melted. This creates a uniform texture in your cookie base.
- Adjusting Pan Size for Thicker Bars: If you prefer a slightly thicker bar, try baking this recipe in an 11 x 7-inch pan instead of a 9 x 13-inch. Remember that a deeper pan will require a longer baking time. To compensate, it’s wise to lower your oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) to prevent the edges from over-baking before the center is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them and adjust baking time as needed.
- PRO- Tip: Unleash Your Creativity with Preserves. You are absolutely not limited to apricot preserves! These bars will be just as phenomenal with any of your favorite jams or preserves. Imagine the possibilities: tangy raspberry, sweet cherry, rich fig, or even a bright lemon curd. Each variation offers a completely new and exciting flavor profile.
- Preserves vs. Jam: Texture Matters: For these bars, I specifically recommend using apricot preserves over apricot jam. Preserves contain small chunks of fruit, which add a wonderful textural contrast and a more rustic, homemade feel that you simply can’t achieve with smooth jam. This textural element enhances the overall eating experience.
- Dealing with Tenderness: Due to the generous amounts of butter and preserves, these apricot crumb bars are inherently tender and delicate. For the best structural integrity, it’s often best to leave them in the baking pan until you are ready to serve them. If you prefer a sturdier bar that holds its shape more firmly, some readers have successfully suggested adding an extra 2-4 tablespoons of flour to the cookie dough mixture. This minor adjustment can make a noticeable difference in their robustness.
- Smart Storage Solutions: Once cooled, store the bars tightly covered with foil in the refrigerator. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these bars also freeze exceptionally well. Simply wrap individual bars or the entire pan securely in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Bars
To keep your Coconut Apricot Bars tasting their best, they should be stored in an airtight container. While they can be kept on the counter for a day, I highly recommend storing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their tender texture and prevents them from becoming too soft. For longer storage, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Always defrost them in the refrigerator for the best results and to preserve their delightful consistency.
Don’t let any leftover apricot preserves go to waste! This versatile ingredient can elevate many dishes. Try a generous smear of apricot preserves on a classic ham and cheese sandwich for a delightful sweet-salty flavor explosion. It’s also fantastic as a glaze for roasted carrots or baked ham, adding a beautiful sheen and a touch of sweetness. Consider using it as a vibrant filling for traditional thumbprint cookies, or incorporate it into a savory appetizer like a pastry-wrapped Baked Brie for an elegant touch.
Absolutely! While slivered almonds provide a wonderful texture and complement the apricot and coconut beautifully, feel free to experiment with other nuts. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts would all make excellent substitutions, each adding their own unique flavor profile to the bars. Just ensure they are roughly chopped to a similar size for even distribution.
I haven’t personally tested a gluten-free version of this recipe, but many cookie bar recipes can be adapted. You could try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour or chilling time to achieve the desired consistency. Always check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Discover More Delicious Bar Cookie Recipes
Bar cookies are a baker’s best friend! They are generally quicker to prepare than individual cookies, making them the perfect solution when you need to feed a crowd or simply want a delicious, fuss-free dessert. Their ease of cutting and serving makes them ideal for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. If you loved these Coconut Apricot Bars, you’re in for a treat with these other favorites from my collection and around the web:
- Caramel Magic Cookie Bars from Love from the Oven — Who can resist a classic magic cookie bar? But with added caramel? Simply irresistible and a true indulgence!
- White Chocolate Raspberry Bars — A delightful combination of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries, these bars are elegant and flavorful.
- Caramel Stuffed Rice Krispie Treats — A playful and gooey twist on a childhood classic, perfect for those who love a chewy, sweet treat.
- Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars — Layers of pure decadence, these bars feature a shortbread crust, rich caramel, chocolate, and cookie dough for a truly luxurious experience.
- Fresh Peach Pie Bars — Capture the taste of summer with these seasonal bars, reminiscent of a classic peach pie but in an easy-to-serve format.
- Caramel Apple Pie Toffee Bars — A comforting autumn treat, combining the flavors of apple pie with rich caramel and crunchy toffee bits.
- Hot Fudge Cheesecake Bars — For the chocolate and cheesecake lovers, these bars offer a rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent dessert experience.
- Explore even more Bar Cookie Recipes to find your next favorite bake!
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Coconut Apricot Bars Recipe
15 minutes
35 minutes
50 minutes
24 bars
A terrific coconut apricot bar that can be customized using your favorite jam for a delightful and easy dessert.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour* (see note below)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut (Angel Flake recommended)
- ½ cup slivered almonds, plus more for sprinkling (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 13-ounce jar apricot preserves (or your preferred flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil (or regular foil generously sprayed with cooking spray). This makes for easy removal and cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making the base tender.
- Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-egg mixture. Then, fold in the shredded coconut, slivered almonds, and vanilla extract, blending just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If you desire sturdier bars (some readers prefer this for easier handling), consider adding an additional ½ cup of flour at this stage. A reader with a similar recipe uses 2 whole cups of flour, so you can adjust based on your preference for texture.
- Press two-thirds of the prepared cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan. This forms the base of your delicious bars.
- Carefully spread the entire jar of apricot preserves over the pressed dough layer, ensuring an even coating.
- Crumble the remaining one-third of the cookie dough mixture evenly over the top of the preserves layer. This creates the signature crumbly topping.
- If desired, sprinkle a handful more of slivered almonds over the top of the crumbled dough for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 – 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the foil and cutting them into neat squares. Chilling them before cutting can also help achieve cleaner slices.
Notes
*Some readers have found the original crust to be quite delicate. If you prefer a sturdier bar that holds its shape more firmly, you may want to add an extra ½ cup of flour to the batter (making it 1.5 cups total). Another reader mentioned using 2 full cups of flour in a similar recipe. You can experiment with adding ½ cup more initially and see if you like the resulting texture, or add another ½ cup if you desire an even more robust bar.
Recommended Products
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- KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer
- Nonstick Foil
- 9 x 13 Baking Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24
Serving Size:
1 bar
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 176Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.
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