How to Make Apricot-Date Bars - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to snack time, having a homemade treat on hand can make all the difference. One of our favorite indulgences is the Apricot-Date Bar. These bars are not only delicious, but they're also packed with wholesome, natural ingredients that will keep you satisfied throughout the day. Whether you're looking for a mid-morning pick-me-up or a post-workout snack, these bars are a perfect choice.

The secret to the success of these bars is the combination of dried apricots and dates. ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar, divided
  • ¾ tablespoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups pitted and chopped dates
  • 1 ¼ cups chopped dried apricots
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Servings: 49
  • Yield: 49 bars

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Mix oats, flour, 1 cup brown sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly.
  • Press a little over half of the crumbly mixture into the bottom of a 10x15-inch baking pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until starting to brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Combine remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, dates, apricots, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, breaking up any clumps, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool filling slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Drop spoonfuls of warm filling over the crust. Spread evenly with an offset spatula. Sprinkle remaining crumbly mixture evenly over the filling; press gently into the filling.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until top is lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Cut into 1-1/4x2-inch bars with a pastry cutter while still hot. Cool bars in the pan, about 20 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    97 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 8mg
    • Sodium: 88mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 17g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 12mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 98mg