If you love a treat that’s bursting with warm, comforting flavors and wonderfully chewy textures, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe. These bars combine the natural sweetness of dried apricots, the tropical richness of shredded coconut, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all tied together by a hint of vanilla and the golden touch of honey or maple syrup. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or anytime pick-me-up, this recipe is a total game changer that’s both nourishing and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients — each one playing a special role in building the bar’s taste, texture, and inviting color. Using quality components ensures your final product feels homemade and deeply satisfying.
- Dried apricots (1 cup, chopped): They add a tangy sweetness and chewy bite that balances perfectly with the nuts and coconut.
- Shredded coconut, unsweetened (1 cup): Provides a natural tropical flavor and a tender, slightly chewy texture.
- Pecans (1/2 cup, chopped): These give a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery note that complements the apricots beautifully.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): Acts as the natural sweetener and helps the bars hold together while bringing a lovely depth of flavor.
- Coconut oil (1/4 cup, melted): Adds moisture and enhances the coconut aroma, making the bars soft yet sturdy.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the nuttiness, elevating every bite.
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 ensures your bars come out cleanly and makes slicing a breeze. Trust me, the parchment paper is your best friend here.
Step 2: Mix Together the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dried apricots, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. This mix forms the flavorful base and texture of your bars, so give it a good stir to ensure even distribution of all those wonderful tastes.
Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
Gently melt your coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Once it’s melted and warm, remove it from the heat, then stir in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. This warm mixture acts like a delicious binding agent while adding moisture and sweet complexity.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the melted coconut oil mixture over the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly so every bit of apricot, coconut, and pecan is well coated with this glossy, fragrant mixture. This step is key to getting those bars perfectly chewy and packed with flavor.
Step 5: Press Into the Pan and Bake
Transfer your combined mixture to the parchment-lined baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly, creating a dense layer that will hold together once baked. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn that gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Cut Your Bars
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This part requires patience, but it helps them firm up and makes cutting clean squares so much easier. Once cooled, slice into nine satisfying bars, ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an irresistible finish. Toasted coconut flakes on top add both crunch and a more intense coconut flavor. These little touches make your bars feel extra-special and perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of your favorite tea or a creamy latte. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of Greek yogurt. The creamy tang cuts through the sweetness and balances the bar’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Arrange the bars on a wooden board garnished with whole pecans and dried apricots for a rustic yet elegant look. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for charming, homemade gifts anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen feels warm, keep them refrigerated to maintain their texture and freshness without becoming too soft.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep fresh frozen for up to two months—perfect for stocking up ahead of time.
Reheating
If you love your bars a little warm, just pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat gently in an oven at low temperature. This will soften the bars slightly and release their scrumptious aroma without compromising texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully and offer their own unique crunch and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making these bars a great vegan-friendly treat.
How chewy are these bars?
They have a perfect chewy texture thanks to the dried apricots and shredded coconut, while the pecans provide a nice crunch. This balance makes for a very satisfying bite every time.
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Fresh apricots have too much moisture and won’t hold the bars together properly. Dried apricots are best because they add chewiness and concentrated sweetness.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled before slicing. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts will give you the cleanest edges and most attractive squares.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe! It’s such a delightful treat that combines wholesome ingredients with simple steps, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, these bars are sure to become a beloved favorite. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are a deliciously chewy and naturally sweet treat made with dried apricots, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans. Sweetened with honey or maple syrup and bound together with coconut oil, these bars are perfect for a healthy snack or a quick energy boost.
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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the chopped dried apricots, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans thoroughly.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir carefully to ensure every component is evenly coated.
- Press Mixture Into Pan: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly with a spatula or hands to form an even and compact layer.
- Bake Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn a golden brown color.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal from the pan.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
- Adjust sweetness by using either honey or maple syrup according to preference.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
