Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for more! These Apricot Nut Squares are not just another dessert - they're a perfect harmony of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary experience. Imagine a golden, crumbly base topped with juicy apricots, rich eggs, and a crunchy nut topping that promises to make every bite a moment of pure bliss.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining dough firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the surface.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Sprinkle the chopped dried apricots evenly over the base layer.
- Pour the egg mixture over the apricots, ensuring even distribution.
- Scatter the chopped nuts over the top of the egg layer.
- Crumble the reserved dough mixture over the nuts, creating a loose, crumbly topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, cut into 24 square pieces using a sharp knife.
- Serve at room temperature and store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this ensures the perfect creamy texture when creaming with sugar.
- For extra flavor, toast your nuts lightly before chopping to enhance their natural richness.
- Use high-quality dried apricots for the most intense fruit flavor.
- Let the squares cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat edges.
- For a gourmet touch, you can dust the finished squares with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- These squares freeze beautifully - wrap them individually for a quick dessert or snack later.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
