There is something truly magical about the way sweet apricots, rich coconut, and crunchy pecans come together in this Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe. These bars are a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures, layered with natural sweetness and nutty warmth that makes them utterly addictive. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack, a delightful breakfast treat, or a simple dessert to impress friends, these bars deliver flavor and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe, but don’t worry—it’s all about simple, wholesome foods that bring natural flavors and texture into the spotlight. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the chewy fruit, the crisp nuts, or the luscious binding agents.
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped: Provides natural sweetness with a tender, chewy bite that forms the heart of the bars.
- 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened: Adds a tropical flair and chewy texture without overpowering sweetness.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped: Brings a lovely crunch and deep, nutty flavor that balances the fruit and coconut.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Acts as the natural sweetener and helps hold everything together with a golden glow.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Adds moisture and a subtle coconut essence that elevates the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavors by adding a warm, aromatic note.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: The perfect pinch to bring out the sweet and nutty flavors brilliantly.
How to Make Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper; this simple step makes it easy to remove the bars without breaking them and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium-sized bowl and toss together the chopped dried apricots, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Getting these mixed well lays the foundation for even flavor throughout every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt your coconut oil gently. Once it’s fully melted, take it off the heat and stir in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. This warm mix will add moisture and sweetness, binding the ingredients beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the apricot, coconut, and pecan blend. Stir thoroughly until every bit is coated, ensuring the bars hold together and each bite has a harmonious texture.
Step 5: Transfer and Press Into Pan
Now, move your mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create a compact layer that bakes uniformly.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown—this signals the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness waiting inside.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let your bars cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps them firm up for easier cutting, so don’t rush it! Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into nine squares or your preferred size.
How to Serve Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut or crushed pecans on top for a pretty finish. A light drizzle of honey after baking can add a glossy sheen and a bit of extra sweetness that makes these bars visually and flavorfully irresistible.
Side Dishes
These bars are incredibly versatile and do well served alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. Pair them with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a more substantial snack or breakfast combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try stacking the bars with layers of cream cheese or almond butter for a mini dessert sandwich. You can also break them into chunks and sprinkle over smoothie bowls or salads to add texture and flavor surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them fresh and chewy—perfect for quick grabs throughout the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw a few at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For a warm, soft treat, pop your bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out the gooey texture of the apricots and intensifies the coconut aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews would be great alternatives and bring their own unique flavors and textures to the bars.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it completely plant-based while maintaining that sweet, natural flavor.
How chewy or crunchy should these bars be?
These bars strike a lovely balance: chewy from the apricots and coconut, with a bit of crunch from the pecans. Baking until golden brown gives just the right texture contrast.
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Fresh apricots have a higher moisture content and won’t bind the bars the same way. Using dried apricots is essential to achieve the chewy texture and structural integrity of the bars.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without them crumbling?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. Using a knife gently warmed with hot water and wiped dry after each cut helps create clean, smooth slices.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like homemade bars that feel both nourishing and indulgent, and this Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. I encourage you to give it a whirl and enjoy these little squares of sunshine anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up. They are sure to become a favorite you reach for again and again.
Print
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and nutritious Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars featuring dried apricots, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans, sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and bound together with coconut oil. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tropical flavors and make a great snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped dried apricots, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Melt and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are well coated with the wet mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer that will hold together once baked.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the bars turn golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into 9 to 9 bars for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the baking pan is lined well to prevent sticking and make bar removal easier.
- You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan option, choose maple syrup instead of honey.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key for bars that hold together well.
