Monday, March 8, 2010

Big & Bright Apricot Bars . . . .

If you love apricots, and I mean really love apricots, you will probably like this recipe. In this case, though, we're talking about dried apricots. So, are you crazy about dried apricots? I'll give you a moment to think about it . . .

Yes? Well, okay then. Feel free to proceed.

Coming to us from Marcy Goldman's 2007 book, A Passion for Baking, these bars are stuffed full of dried apricots that have been simmered with sugar and citrus juices, and then pureed. The fruit is spread over a layer of partially-baked dough, then another of layer of the same dough--which is first frozen and then shredded with a grater--is sprinkled atop that. Baked until glowing and lightly golden, the whole thing is crowned, once cooled, with a perky dusting of confectioners' sugar. And there you have it--big, bright, apricot bars.

When I made these a couple of days ago, I adhered pretty closely to the original recipe, with one minor substitution. I switched ground almonds for the small portion of optional ground walnuts in the crust dough. If you're going to try these, a couple of caveats: Beware that the dough is really quite soft, so judiciousness is called for when adding in the few tablespoons of heavy cream. Too much cream and you won't be able to work with it well. And, if you're going to try the shredded frozen-dough technique, your dough really has to be frozen. It defrosts quickly, too, so don't cheat with this step or you'll have a sticky mess on your hands.

What were the final thoughts on these apricot bars in my household? My husband was pretty enthusiastic about them, but suggested the filling could be a little "tarter," while I thought they were not bad but felt the filling should be sweeter, so we had no consensus there. (My kids were uninterested, not being big fans of dried fruit, but that was to be expected. At least the younger one was willing to hold one and sniff at it before turning up his nose! Keep in mind, these are not topped with something like the sweet streusel you might find on the top of a coffeecake.)

If I were to make these again I'd like to jazz them up a bit. Maybe add a pinch or two of cinnamon, nutmeg, or some similar spice to the dough, and possibly substitute more ground nuts for some of the flour. I might increase the amount of salt in the crust a tiny bit, too. And, rather than dust the top with confectioners' sugar, which has a tendency to almost disappear after a little while on the bars in terms of both appearance and flavor, I think sprinkling the top generously with cinnamon sugar (perhaps just before it goes in the oven?) might be an intriguing alteration, too. As for the filling, maybe another shot of lemon juice? In any case, I believe this one of those recipes that should be open to your own interpretation.

All in all, though, it's a good basic concept Marcy Goldman's got going on here and one that could be fun to play around with and tweak. She is, in her book, very encouraging of bakers customizing her recipes, within reason at least, so I suspect she'd probably approve of any such creative adjustments. So if you're in the mood, approach this recipe with an open mind, give these a whirl, and let the dried apricot fans have at 'em!

Apricot Bars

(For a printable version of this recipe, click here!)

For the dough:
2 and 1/4 cups All Purpose flour (I used unbleached)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt (I used a heaping 1/4 tsp.)
1/4 cup ground walnuts, optional (I substituted ground almonds)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 Tbsp. vegetable shortening
2 eggs, large
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 to 6 Tbsp. heavy cream (I'd be careful here; don't pour it all in at once or your dough may be way too soft!)
For the apricot filling:3/4 cup orange juice (I used fresh squeezed)
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
4 cups dried apricots (preferably Californian, per Marcy)
1/3 cup granulated sugar

* * *

Confectioners' sugar for dusting on the baked bars

* * *

Make the dough first.
Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nuts (if using) in the bowl of a food processor. Add in the butter and shortening, and pulse to form a mealy mixture.


Add in the eggs, vanilla, and gradually add in the cream to form a soft dough.


Dump the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead gently to form a firm but soft dough. (Note from Jane: My dough was very, very soft, so I needed to use a more heavily floured work surface, otherwise it would have been quite unworkable. Next time, I'll be more conservative when adding in the cream!)


Divide the dough equally into two pieces and wrap them separately in plastic. Refrigerate one half of the dough for one hour, and put the other half in the freezer.

Make the apricot filling.
Place all of the filling ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan and simmer over low heat, tossing the fruit to moisten and soften it, for about 8 to 12 minutes.


Let it cool for about 15 minutes and then puree it in the food processor. Chill the puree.


Assemble the bars.


Preheat your oven to 350. Liberally coat with baking spray, or line completely with parchment paper, one 11" x 7" pan, or one 9" x 9" pan. Place the pan on a cookie sheet that has also been lined with parchment. (Note from Jane: Marcy Goldman recommends doing this with many baked goods; it may sound like a bit much, but it really works and helps prevent overbrowned bottoms!)
Pat out the refrigerated half of the dough into the bottom of your pan, as evenly as you can.


Bake this for 10 to 12 minutes, then let it cool well.

Over this cooled and half-baked dough, smoothly spread out all of the apricot puree. It will be a pretty thick layer.


Using a box grater, coarsely shred the frozen half of the dough directly onto the layer of apricot puree, taking care to evenly cover the entire surface. (Note from Jane: You may want to shred one smaller chunk of this frozen dough at a time, so as to keep from inadvertently defrosting part of the whole chunk while you're holding it. You can also shred it all onto a plate first, if you prefer, and then sprinkle it onto the apricot layer.)

Place the pan on the parchment-covered baking sheet, and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the top crust is lightly golden brown. Cool completely in the pan, on a rack, then dust the bars with confectioners' sugar. If you've used parchment in the pan, use the overlapping paper to lift the bars out in one solid piece, then slice that while it's still on the paper.


Recipe full disclosure! The recipe in Marcy Goldman's book, A Passion for Baking (2007, Oxmoor House), from which this one is adapted, is called "Bookstore Cafe Apricot Squares," and it appears on pages 164 and 165.

(If you'd like to comment on this post, or to read any existing comments, just click on the purple COMMENTS below!)

28 comments:

Finla said...

I love apricot, wish i could grab a slice or two. Sure bookmarking this one.

Marysol said...

I can assure you I'm a devout apricot aficionado. And I think the citrus-spiked filling further enhance these awesome apricot bars!
I will be making them this Spring. Thanks Jane!

Chele said...

Yum! Going to have to give this recipe a try ;0)

HanaĆ¢ said...

These bars look beautiful, Jane. I love apricots!! What a great technique for the crumb topping. The dusting of powdered sugar definitely seals the deal. I agree with you that a pinch of spice (probably cinnamon or freshly ground nutmeg) would go really well with this recipe. I also love your use of almonds. I think almonds and apricots pair really well together (I think they're in the same botanical family, not sure). Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Chocolate Shavings said...

LOVE apricots - this sounds just perfect!

Lucy said...

What a sunny bar! I love the bright apricot colour, and can imagine the gorgeous fruity flavour. Have bookmarked the recipe!

Deborah at Tempting Tangles said...

In addition to what I wrote you personally, I cannot think of another blog that more deserves the Kreative Blogger Award. Every element of it - from the recipes to articles, photos, to mouthwatering photos, is a winner
Deb in Idaho
http://temptingtangles.blogspot.

My Casa Bella said...

Jane, these not only look beautiful they look delicious!! If only I could have one now...:(
I have to avoid gluten/wheat for awhile so all I could do is drool at your photo.....

Louise Chiffonade Brescia said...

I tried and wasted a LOT of money on this recipe. My BF, 'Big Bear' (David Wyers, the MOST powerful computer salesman in Atlanta) said that they were disgusting!

You REALLY disappointed me with this post, and as the co-owner of the SeriousEats website. I feel that I may have to advise Overlord, Ed Levine, to chastise your website.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Oh come now - who wouldn't love this? I am definitely going to make these. Your photos are positively professional looking.

Anonymous said...

beautiful bars!

Jane said...

Thanks Happy Cook! Glad you like the looks of these bars.

Hi Marysol, I'd love to hear what you think of them if you make them, Marysol. Keep me posted!

Hello Chele,
Thanks for stopping by again! :)

Hey there Hanaa, I like the apricot and almond combo too. That "frozen shredding" technique is a new one for me. I think it has potential, but I'm not sure I'm crazy about it!

Hi Chocolate Shavings,
Thanks very much!

Hello Lucy,
I love the color of apricots
too! I'm most fond of fresh ones. Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Tempting Tangles,
Your encouragement and kindness is greatly appreciated! I love hearing from you. Many thanks.

Hi Arlene (My Casa Bella),
It would be tough, indeed, for me to avoid gluten! I hope that problem clears up for you soon. :

Dear Louise,
Clearly you feel very strongly about this recipe! Sounds like you tried it a few times with unhappy results? I'm sorry you feel so negatively about my post, but I thought I was pretty honest in it and I certainly didn't make them sound like they're the best thing I've ever tasted (my husband really does like them, though), and I suggested a few ways to give them some more zing. In any case, I appreciate your opinion. To each his own!
-- Jane

Jane said...

Hi Ciao Chow Linda,
Thanks for the support! It's so nice to hear that about my photos. I think I love taking the pictures almost as much as I love baking!
:) Jane

Hi OneShotBeyond--
Many thanks for visiting!
Keep on baking,
Jane

Stella said...

I love these, Jane. They look so delicious, and it's always nice when a sweet has a redeeming quality-apricots (high fiber, etc.). I might try this if I can find pretty apricots in the bins at the health food store...

Anh said...

This looks so vibrant and beautiful! Just discover your blog today and this is great!

faithy said...

Your post & recipe come just in time cos i have lots of apricot jam left after my last bake. :) Apricot Bars sounds like something i would like!

MaryMoh said...

Wow...that looks colourful and delicious. I would love to try this.

Stacy said...

I just discovered your blog through Foodgawker and I love it! What great pictures! And these apricot bars look delicious! I love apricot!

katrina said...

Guess what? I DO love apricots! These look great!

Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said...

What an interesting technique with grating frozen dough. I lurrrv apricots and would love to sneak of piece of these bars away 8).

Kate at Serendipity said...

Oh, Jane, these look delicious. I'm wondering, though, what is the reason for grating the dough over the top? Is it to give a great texture? In any case, I love the color of these. I love apricots, so I would have no qualms about making these. THANKS!

Unknown said...

Wow apricot bars! Those look amazing! Though I'm wondering, what is the purpose of grating the dough?

Brianne said...

I just finished baking these and tried my first slice. It was amazing! I'm already thinking about a second! I love apricot so these definitely suited my taste. I switched up the recipe a bit- substituting apricot jam instead of the dried apricot mixture since I'm on a budget. I bought whole almonds and mashed them myself. I added 2 cups to the dough and added another cup as a topping before baking. The grating of the dough kept the topping light and I think is definitely necessary. i can't imagine trying to spread the dough evenly over the apricot jam. I cut my dough up into 4 quarters- leaving the extras in the freezer while I grated each piece. The grating was easier than I anticipated. Overall, very tasty! I can't wait to serve these at brunch!

Unknown said...

This blog is wonderful and interesting, i really enjoyed reading!!! i must to say the apricot is delicious and contain many vitamin. That is why i prefer to eat it frequently. Actually when i bought my house through
costa rica homes for sale i didn´t see an apricot tree. Now i am really happy.

RecipeGirl said...

Hi Jane, Your photo has been lifted and posted to this website http://yummytastyrecipes.com/?recipe=d36aa4a836983974827a49dae9bc1272 It's being circulated all over Pinterest with a link to that website, so I thought you'd like to know. I searched the recipe and found that it was yours. I can't wait to try it- looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

I made these for a church function, and they were a big hit. I love them. Thanks for sharing a great recipe

Christine said...

I'm going to give this a try but am making it for a commercial kitchen and we try and avoid any nuts as there are so many with allergies to them these days. Any suggestions on what I could substitute the almond meal with?
Thanks

Jane said...

Hi Christine,
Jane of Jane's Sweets here! Thanks so much for your question. I think if I were going to leave out the ground nuts I'd probably just compensate with an equal amount of flour instead. I think that would work, and I doubt it would cause any problems.
Happy baking, Christine, and I'd love to hear how this recipe turns out for you!
Warmly,
Jane