If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe. Imagine a balance of chewy dried apricots, toasty pecans, and fragrant coconut brought together by golden honey and melted coconut oil, baked into perfect bars that offer just the right blend of sweetness and texture. Whether you need a quick snack, a wholesome dessert, or a homemade gift idea, these bars are a fantastic way to enjoy natural flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and that satisfying chewiness we all crave. From the fruity apricots to the crunchy pecans, these components come together effortlessly.
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped: Bring sweet-tart notes and chewy texture to the bars.
- 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened: Adds a lovely tropical aroma and subtle natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped: Offers a crunchy contrast and nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener that binds everything together.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Provides a smooth richness and helps with bar firmness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the taste profile.
How to Make Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the bars bake evenly with golden edges. Then line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, which makes it super easy to lift the bars out later without any sticking or breakage.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Take a medium-sized bowl and toss together the chopped dried apricots, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. This mix will give your bars that perfect combination of chewiness, crunch, and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Coconut Mixture
Gently melt the coconut oil over low heat in a small saucepan. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. This mixture will bind your dry ingredients and infuse the bars with a rich, sweet aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the liquid mixture over the apricot, coconut, and pecan blend. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure each bit is evenly coated. This step is crucial for the bars to hold together and develop their signature texture.
Step 5: Press the Mixture Into the Pan
Transfer your mixture to the lined baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly—this helps create the classic bar shape with that satisfying density you want in every square.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they’ll turn a beautiful golden brown when ready, which means the sugars have caramelized just enough to add crunch without burning.
Step 7: Cool and Cut Into Bars
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely right in the pan. This prevents them from falling apart when you cut them into squares. Patience here pays off with perfect, hold-in-your-hand bars.
How to Serve Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars, sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut or chopped pecans on top just before serving. You can also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate or a sticky honey glaze for added indulgence that complements the natural sweetness of the apricots.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For a healthier breakfast option, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance out the richness with some tang and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe into bite-sized treats by cutting them into mini squares or rectangles for parties. You could also sandwich a spoonful of almond butter between two bars for a layered snack that’s both fun and filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed prevents the bars from drying out and preserves their perfect chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a homemade snack anytime you want.
Reheating
For the best experience after freezing, simply let the bars thaw at room temperature, or warm them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. This slight heat will bring back the lovely softness while keeping that irresistible chewiness intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews all work nicely in this Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe, each adding its own unique texture and flavor.
Is honey necessary, or can I use only maple syrup?
You can use solely maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option with a slightly different sweetness profile, but honey adds a distinct floral note that pairs beautifully here.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Since this recipe doesn’t include any wheat or gluten ingredients, the bars are naturally gluten-free, making them great for those with sensitivities.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the bars stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Definitely! Toss in some dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for a lovely chocolatey twist on this classic Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
These Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe bars are a true crowd-pleaser that feel both indulgent and wholesome. They offer a perfect balance of natural sweetness, texture, and flavor that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to give these bars a try—they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for any time you want something homemade, satisfying, and simply wonderful.
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
These Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are a delightful, naturally sweetened treat combining chewy dried apricots, crunchy pecans, and shredded coconut, all bound together with honey or maple syrup and coconut oil. Perfect as a healthy snack or a wholesome dessert, these bars are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped dried apricots, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until well combined.
- Melt and Mix Wet Ingredients: Gently melt the coconut oil over low heat in a small saucepan. Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to create a smooth, sweet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and the mixture becomes sticky.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly and evenly to create a compact, uniform layer that will hold together once baked.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown color, indicating the bars are set and slightly toasted.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and cut them into nine equal squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds as preferred.
