Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe

Let me introduce you to a treat that’s practically sunshine on a plate: Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars! These beautiful, golden bars blend chewy apricots, nutty pecans, and sweet coconut atop a buttery base, coming together with such fabulous flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, need an easy potluck contribution, or just want a scrumptious snack with your afternoon tea, these bars are delightfully irresistible and, trust me, always the first to vanish from the dessert table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars plays a starring role, creating layers of melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Nothing here is tricky or hard to find, but together, they’re magic—bringing buttery richness, chewy fruitiness, tropical sweetness, and a nutty crunch all in harmony.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base for your buttery crust and holds up the rest of the delicious layers.
• Packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps create a soft, cookie-like texture in the crust.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth richness—softened butter blends effortlessly with the dry ingredients.
• Chopped dried apricots: The stars of the show! Their tangy-sweet flavor pops wonderfully against the coconut and pecans.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: For chewy texture and tropical sweetness, with lovely flecks of white throughout the bars.
• Chopped pecans: These add warm, toasty notes and a satisfying crunch that balances all the chewy goodness.
• Large eggs: Two eggs bind the fruity filling together and give lift as the bars bake.
• Granulated sugar: Ensures the filling is perfectly sweet—just enough to complement the apricots without being cloying.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a soft, fragrant sweetness that rounds out all the other flavors.
• Salt: A pinch is key; it sharpens every flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting at the end makes these look extra special and adds a touch more sweetness.

How to Make Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make cleanup and removal a breeze, either lightly grease your 8×8-inch baking dish or—my favorite trick—line it with parchment paper so you can lift the bars out after they cool.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Add your softened butter and use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingertips to work it in until you get a crumbly mixture that looks like coarse sand. Gently press this mixture into the bottom of your pan, smoothing the surface with your hands or the back of a spoon to form an even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes. As it bakes, it transforms into a toasty, golden foundation that will hold up all that luscious filling. This step guarantees you’ll get perfect squares that don’t fall apart.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the crust is in the oven, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy. Stir in the chopped dried apricots, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, making sure everything is evenly coated and distributed.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Once your crust is ready and hot from the oven, immediately pour the filling mixture over it. Spread it into an even layer so every bite is packed with fruit, nuts, and coconut. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. The irresistible aroma filling your kitchen is a bonus!

Step 6: Cool, Cut, and Dust

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—trust me, this is the hardest part, but it’s worth it for perfectly cut squares. For super clean edges, chill the cooled bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing. If you like, dust the tops with a veil of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.

How to Serve Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars

Garnishes

A light snowfall of powdered sugar will make these bars look extra inviting, but you could also sprinkle on a few extra chopped pecans, or even some shredded coconut, just before serving for a pretty, textural flourish. A tiny sprig of mint or a few extra pieces of dried apricot tucked on the plate add a lovely, elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars pair wonderfully with something on the lighter side to balance their sweet richness. Try serving them alongside a simple fruit salad, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing. They also shine next to a cup of herbal tea or fresh coffee for that perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, you can cut these bars small and arrange them in cupcake papers for the prettiest dessert tray around. Want to get extra festive? Stack them on a tiered stand, tie them up in cellophane bags for edible gifts, or crumble a bar over some ice cream for a dreamy sundae topping. The possibilities with Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are as fun as they are tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars are fantastic for make-ahead baking. Store leftover Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, tuck them in the fridge to keep them fresh and chewy even longer.

Freezing

Want to keep some for later? Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap the fully cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then slip them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay at their best for up to two months, and you can thaw a bar or two at a time whenever you need a sweet treat.

Reheating

These bars are delightful at room temperature, but if you’re craving them warm, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just until the edges soften and the aroma intensifies. Serve with a little ice cream or a cozy mug of tea for true comfort food bliss.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

Fresh apricots have a much higher water content and can make the bars soggy. Dried apricots give that chewy texture and concentrated flavor, so stick with dried for the best results.

Can I substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts and almonds both work beautifully and will give the bars a slightly different flavor profile. Use whichever nut you love most or have on hand.

Is it possible to make these bars less sweet?

If you’d like a less sweet version, you can use unsweetened coconut and cut the granulated sugar in the filling by a couple of tablespoons. The bars will be a bit less gooey, but still delicious.

Can Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check that any other ingredients (especially coconut and nuts) are processed in a gluten-free facility if serving someone with an allergy.

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang, is the best way to ensure easy removal and clean slices. Light greasing works, too, but parchment is truly foolproof!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the lovely mix of flavors and textures in these Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars. They’re the kind of dessert that sparks smiles and second helpings every time. Go ahead—bake a batch, share with friends, and let them brighten your table as much as they do mine!

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