Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible dessert that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Apricot Almond Bars are not just a treat; they're a perfect harmony of buttery, sweet, and nutty flavors that will make your friends and family beg for more. Imagine biting into a soft, golden bar studded with chewy apricots and crunchy almonds – a dessert so delicious, it'll become your new go-to recipe for every occasion!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the almond extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped dried apricots, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top and sprinkle sliced almonds over the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into 16 equal rectangles.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and light.
- Chop Apricots Uniformly: Cut dried apricots into similar-sized pieces for even distribution and consistent flavor in every bite.
- Toast Almonds (Optional): For extra flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds before sprinkling them on top.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices.
- Storage Tip: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
