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

When it comes to easy and delicious baked goods, apricot-date bars are a clear winner. These sweet and sticky treats are perfect for a quick snack, a dessert, or a homemade gift. The combination of apricots and dates creates a rich, fruity flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. This particular recipe has been awarded first place in numerous baking competitions, and once you taste it, you'll understand why!

The secret to the success of these apricot-date bars lies in the perfec...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, cut into small pieces
  • 8 ounces dried apricots, cut into small pieces
  • ½ cup apricot nectar (such as Kern's®)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup vegetable shortening, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups rolled oats

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
  • Servings: 48
  • Yield: 48 bars

  • Place 1/2 cup of brown sugar into a saucepan along with the dates and apricots; pour in the apricot nectar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until the nectar has mostly evaporated and the mixture is sticky, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Grease a baking sheet.
  • Stir the melted shortening and vanilla extract into 1 cup of brown sugar in a large bowl until no lumps remain. Stir in the flour mixture and oats; work well with your hands until the mixture is evenly combined. Press half of the oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cooled apricot mixture evenly over the oats, then press the remaining oat mixture evenly over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
  • Nutrition

    108 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 78mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 19g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 12g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 12mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 104mg