Description
These Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are a deliciously chewy and naturally sweet snack, packed with dried apricots, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans. Sweetened with honey or maple syrup and held together with melted coconut oil, these bars are baked to golden perfection, making them a perfect healthy treat for any time of day.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your 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-sized 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 in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until fully blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly to coat all the components evenly with the mixture.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact, uniform layer.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before cutting to maintain their shape.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
