Impress your guests with these beautiful Apricot Bars.
Perfect as an afternoon treat or after-dinner dessert! A rich and moist apricot and walnut filling sit atop a simple crispy shortbread cake.
We Why Love This Dessert Bar
- FLAVOR - Dried apricots and walnuts are a winning flavor combination.
- TEXTURE - The crunchy shortbread works beautifully with the moist apricot and walnut cake. Sprinkling a light layer of powdered sugar makes it look like a dessert treat from a fancy bakery.
- MEAL PREP - The dessert can be made a day in advance.
- Perfect as a brunch treat.
Ingredients
The apricot bars are basically two cakes merged into one delicious dessert. The base layer is a simple shortbread. Check the recipe card for exact measurements.
RELATED RECIPE: Love apricot-filled desserts? Be sure to also check out our incredibly easy 4-ingredient apricot tarts.
Shortbread Base Layer
SHORTBREAD BASE LAYER. This dough consists of flour, a pinch of salt, and chilled, unsalted butter. Be sure to butter that comes straight from your fridge.
Top Layer
WET INGREDIENTS - Eggs and vanilla extract add flavor and moisture to this cake.
DRY INGREDIENTS - The sugar gets beaten with the eggs and vanilla extract until the eggs are creamy and fluffy. All-purpose flour and another pinch of salt are blended in to make a smooth batter.
FRUIT AND NUTS - Dried apricots and chopped walnuts produce a delicious combination of taste and texture.
How To Make Apricot Walnut Bars
Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grease a square baking dish and set it aside.
Crust
- Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a food processor. Add a pinch of salt. Process until well combined and crumbly.
- Transfer dough into a pre-greased baking dish and mold it into the bottom of the dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the center is golden-brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Topping
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Use a large bowl and beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high until creamy. Add flour mixture to the creamy eggs and combine well. Stir in apricots and walnuts.
- Pour the batter over the baked baselayer and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes at 350° Fahrenheit. Allow to cool completely and dust with confectioner's sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy.
More Delicious Desserts
German Spekulatius Cookies - Winter cookies perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Bee Sting Cake - An easy version of a classic German recipe.
Ice Cream Bread - Just 2 ingredients!
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars - A simple-to-make and delicious back-to-school snack.
Pistachio Cookies - A really easy cookie made with pudding mix.
Apricot Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter 1 stick, chilled, cubed
Apricot Topping
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried apricots coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
Dusting
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar optional
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grease a square baking dish and set aside.
Crust
- Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a food processor. Add a pinch of salt. Process in a food processor until well combined and crumbly. Transfer dough into pre-greased baking dish and mold into the bottom of the dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the center is golden-brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Topping
- Use a large mixing bowl and beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high until creamy. Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the creamy eggs and combine well. Stir in apricots and walnuts.
- Pour the batter over the baked baselayer. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350° Fahrenheit. Allow to cool completely and dust with confectioner's sugar. Cut into squares bars and enjoy.