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
Scale
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.
