Apricot Bars

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

Yield 2 dozen

This contest-winning apricot bars recipe is just the thing for snacks, special gatherings, desserts, you name it! Apricot preserves provide the fruit flavor, while shredded coconut and chopped walnuts make them even more delicious. It's incredibly easy to make these as well, and they freeze well so you can save some for later. Enjoy!

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 jar (10 to 12 ounces) apricot preserves

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Fold in coconut and walnuts.
Press two-thirds of dough onto the bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Spread with preserves; crumble remaining dough over preserves. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 195 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

This recipe is down-home baking at its best, and it really represents all regions of the country. It's won blue ribbons at county fairs and cookie contests in several states! Easy to make, it's perfect for potluck suppers, bake sales, lunchboxes or just plain snacking.—Jill Moritz, Irvine, California

Recipe Creator