Apricot Bars

Sydney Mike's Note:

This recipe was found in the 2008 Taste of Home cookbook, Baking Classics.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 16

Yield: 16.0 bars

• 2/3 cup dried apricot
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided (1 cup & 1/3 cup)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F & grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a small saucepan, cook apricots in water over medium heat for 10 minutes or until softened, then drain, cool & chop, before setting aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter & powdered sugar until light & fluffy, then gradually add 1 cup of the flour until well blended.
4. Press into the prepared baking dish & bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat eggs & brown sugar until blended.
6. In another small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt & the remaining 1/3 cup of flour, then gradually add this flour mixture to the egg mixture.
7. Beat in the vanilla, then stir in the apricots & nuts before pouring this mixture over the crust.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until set, then cool on a wire rack.
9. When cooled, if desired, dust with powdered sugar, then cut into bars. Store any left-over bars in the refrigerator.

Reviews

[mersaydees]

These are terrific. Love the apricot! Made as directed. Thanks, Sydney Mike! Made for Veggie Recipe Swap, June VIP selection.

[basima04]

Made just as written, and these are awesome!!

[Toni in Colorado]

This is very good!! Thank you, Sydney Mike, for this recipe.