Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars

Teresa Ambra

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are one of those ooey, gooey recipes you just can’t get enough of. It consists of a shortbread crust with coconut added, then a layer of apricot jam topped with pecans and more of the shortbread crust crumbled over top serving as a streusel. It’s absolutely incredible and one of those rare finds you are grateful to stumble across.

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Those of you who follow my blog know that I’ve been trying to clean out my pantry. I’ve got a couple of shelves of chips, candies, nuts, marshmallows and other baking goods I’m trying to eliminate as a result of overstock from Christmas baking.

I’ve also got several jars of apricot jam I want to use up because I overestimated how many I would need for making my Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies and Apricot Almond Bars last Christmas. So here is another recipe using lots of apricot preserves, coconut and pecans and they are scrumptious, indeed.

I was overjoyed when I ran across this recipe buried in my huge family recipe cookbooks. I actually found this in a recipe file at a garage sale probably 20-30 years ago. I have no idea who the author was or where she copied the recipe from. The writing appears to be from the 50s or 60s but it could be older than that.

I combed through each recipe in the recipe file looking for recipes that were different from what I already had and saved the ones I thought showed promise. Apricot Bars was one of them. Because I already have several Apricot Bar recipes I saved this one as Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars since that shows the main contents of this delicious bar.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are cookie bliss! This heavenly recipe is incredible to the tastebuds let alone to the sense of smell. I’ve adapted the recipe somewhat so it’s not exactly as written. My guess is this recipe came out of a cookbook somewhere. I’m sorry I don’t know the origin so I could give credit.

All I can say is Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are a delicious, gooey, scrumptious recipe that’s great for any kind of occasion including holiday baking (like Easter coming up), birthday parties, potlucks, picnics, or to take along to gymnastics practice, or if you’re going to be out shopping for awhile! 🙂

If you’re looking for a way to use up leftover apricot preserves or jam (homemade or otherwise), consider trying out this delectable recipe. These don’t take too long to whip up and they’re not overly difficult. The taste and texture of the bars are amazing – quite a bit like the ooey gooey texture in Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, yet it’s a fruity gooeyness instead of a cream cheese gooeyness. You will have to hide these bars carefully if you expect to have any left!

When I initially posted these exquisite dessert bars in March 2013, I had yet to begin using my Canon camera. The pictures were not particularly clear and the presentation a little on the busy side. I’ve been remaking all my first-year blog recipes to get better pictures, and this one came up for remake in June 2016.

I took them to a New Member’s Luncheon at our church along with my Apple Crisp. Word came back that everyone loved them, and since both of these desserts are a little on the gooey side they’re usually a hit wherever I bring them.

I did refrigerate the bars before cutting, but they are still gooey. You may want to freeze them in order to get good cuts before serving, if you prefer.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Oh, my! Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are heavenly! Maybe a better name for these fabulous bars should be Ooey Gooey Apricot Bars!

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

You can really see the gooey texture of these bars in this picture. If you like apricot jam you will love these cookie bars. Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are a great treat for Easter and other holidays.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

These luscious bars are filled with apricot preserves and coconut making one really sweet cookie.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Be prepared to devour these in no time. If you enjoy apricots, you’ll love this dessert.

Here’s what I did.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

I used these ingredients.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Soften butter. Put in large mixing bowl. Add sugar, an egg, vanilla and sea salt.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Mix ingredients with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Add UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour. Bleached flour toughens cookies. Add coconut.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Stir ingredients with a wooden spoon to combine. Using an electric mixer at this point toughens cookies. Reserve about 1 1/4 cups cookie mixture for topping. Set aside.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Pat remaining cookie mixture into a greased or sprayed 9×13″ baking dish.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Spread an 18-oz. jar of apricot preserves over top. Do your best to smooth it over the top but you won’t fill in every spot. No worries. The jam will spread when baking. Sprinkle chopped nuts over top. I used pecans because I was trying to use them up, but walnuts, pistachios, or almonds would work fine too.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the top.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Cool COMPLETELY before trying to cut these gooey cookies into bars. Actually they came out of the pan quite easily, but don’t try to do it while still warm or they may fall apart on you. I highly recommend either refrigerating or partially freezing the cookies prior to cutting.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are great treats to take along for family picnics, baseball practice or games, or to your next office party.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Consider adding these fantastic bars to your list for holiday baking and family reunions. Are you drooling yet?

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

These bars are easy to make and a delight for summer holiday fare. They’re also great for your Christmas baking list.

Here’s the recipe.

APRICOT COCONUT PECAN BARS

(Source unknown)

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars

Teresa Ambra
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are sure to cure any sweet tooth craving you have. These marvelous bar-type cookies use apricot preserves, coconut, and pecans. Perfect dessert for tailgating parties, block parties, grilling out with friends and holiday baking. These tasty treats are ooey, gooey and so delicious!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut
  • 18 oz. jar apricot preserves
  • 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (measure after chopping)

Instructions
 

  • Mix butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and sea salt with an electric mixer or whisk.
  • Stir in flour and coconut with a wooden spoon.
  • Reserve 1 ¼ cups mixture for later.
  • Press remaining dough into a greased or sprayed 9x13” baking dish.
  • Spread apricot preserves over top of crust.
  • Sprinkle with pecans or walnuts.
  • Crumble reserved cookie dough over top.
  • Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes.
  • Cool completely.

Notes

NOTE: You really need to allow these bars to cool completely before cutting or they will be a sticky mess!
 
NOTE: For easier cutting, refrigerate bars 1-2 hours before cutting.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 53mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 235IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apricot, brownie, coconut, cookie, dessert, pecans
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars[/b]
 
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra (source unknown)
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Marvelous bar-type cookie using apricot preserves, coconut, and pecans. These tasty treats are ooey, gooey and delicious!
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ tsp. vanilla
  • ½ tsp. kosher or sea salt
  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 ½ cups coconut
  • 18-oz. jar apricot preserves
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
  1. Mix butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and sea salt with an electric mixer or whisk.
  2. Stir in flour and coconut with a wooden spoon.
  3. [u]Reserve 1 ¼ cups mixture[/u] for later.
  4. Press remaining dough into a greased or sprayed 9×13” baking dish.
  5. Spread apricot preserves over top of crust.
  6. Sprinkle with pecans or walnuts.
  7. Crumble reserved cookie dough over top.
  8. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes.
  9. Cool completely.
 
Notes
You really need to allow these bars to cool completely before cutting or they will be a sticky mess![br][br]For easier cutting, refrigerate bars 1-2 hours before cutting.
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

These cookies sure had me salivating!

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

These bars are so delicious. If you like an ooey, gooey bar, you will love Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars.

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Time to dig in!

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies

Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these are some of our favorite #christmas #cookies. These thumbprint cookies have #apricot preserves in the center. #dessert

Apricot Almond Bars

Apricot Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie bars are fantastic. #Apricot preserves are layered on a shortbread crust and sprinkled with #almonds. We love to make these for the #holidays. #dessert

Apricot Shortbread Bars

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars

Teresa Ambra
Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars are sure to cure any sweet tooth craving you have. These marvelous bar-type cookies use apricot preserves, coconut, and pecans. Perfect dessert for tailgating parties, block parties, grilling out with friends and holiday baking. These tasty treats are ooey, gooey and so delicious!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
  • 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut
  • 18 oz. jar apricot preserves
  • 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (measure after chopping)

Instructions
 

  • Mix butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and sea salt with an electric mixer or whisk.
  • Stir in flour and coconut with a wooden spoon.
  • Reserve 1 ¼ cups mixture for later.
  • Press remaining dough into a greased or sprayed 9×13” baking dish.
  • Spread apricot preserves over top of crust.
  • Sprinkle with pecans or walnuts.
  • Crumble reserved cookie dough over top.
  • Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes.
  • Cool completely.

Notes

NOTE: You really need to allow these bars to cool completely before cutting or they will be a sticky mess!
 
NOTE: For easier cutting, refrigerate bars 1-2 hours before cutting.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 53mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 235IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apricot, brownie, coconut, cookie, dessert, pecans
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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