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Irresistible Apricot Walnut Streusel Bars: A Symphony of Sweet, Tangy, and Nutty Flavors

There’s something uniquely comforting about a homemade baked treat, especially when it marries classic flavors with an appealing texture. These **Apricot Walnut Streusel Bars** are precisely that – a rich, buttery shortbread crust provides a sturdy foundation for a luscious layer of tangy apricot preserves, all crowned with a delightful, nutty streusel topping. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and crunchy, making them simply scrumptious and utterly unforgettable.

Embracing the Joy of Baking and Simple Pleasures

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! I hope your recent weekend brought you moments of joy and relaxation. Around here, we were bracing ourselves for a much-anticipated snowstorm, the kind that promises cozy days indoors with a warm cup of coffee and the oven humming with activity. Alas, nature had other plans, delivering little more than a whisper of flakes. A bit of a bummer for the snow lovers, perhaps, but certainly not enough to dampen spirits or halt the creative process in the kitchen.

Even without a blanket of white outside, my weekend was wonderfully productive. With my husband, Tom, away on a business trip, I dedicated ample time to my culinary passions: experimenting with new recipes, perfecting old favorites, and, of course, capturing their beauty through photography. It’s a true joy to lose myself in the rhythm of baking, the scent of butter and sugar filling the air, and the anticipation of a delicious creation. And for those moments when I needed a break, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in “Turn,” a captivating Revolutionary War spy drama on Netflix. It’s always a treat to find a show that completely hooks you!

As the New Year began, I made a conscious effort to share an abundance of healthy, nourishing recipes. And I hope you’ve noticed and enjoyed them! It’s always good to balance our diets with wholesome choices. However, there comes a point when a little indulgence is not just desired but necessary. Today, dear friends, that point has arrived. It’s Monday, and it’s time to treat ourselves to something truly special, something that brings pure, unadulterated happiness. These **Apricot Walnut Streusel Bars** are precisely that kind of treat. They are utterly scrumptious, and I have no doubt that you are going to fall completely in love with them.

Why These Streusel Bars Are an Absolute Must-Try

What makes these bars stand out? It’s the delightful interplay of three distinct layers, each contributing its unique flavor and texture to create an unforgettable experience:

The Buttery Shortbread Crust: This isn’t just a base; it’s a rich, tender, and slightly crumbly shortbread that melts in your mouth. It provides the perfect balance to the sweetness and tanginess of the layers above.
Tangy Apricot Preserves: The heart of these bars is a vibrant, fruity layer of apricot preserves. Its natural sweetness and tart notes cut through the richness of the butter, adding a refreshing burst of flavor that is simply irresistible.
Nutty Walnut Streusel Topping: The grand finale! A generous crumble of streusel, studded with crunchy walnuts, adds a fantastic textural contrast and an earthy, nutty depth that complements the apricot beautifully. The streusel bakes to a golden perfection, offering a slight crispness that is incredibly satisfying.

Together, these layers create a dessert bar that is both elegant and comforting, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an impressive potluck contribution, a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon, or a delightful end to a family meal, these bars deliver every time.

Customize Your Perfect Streusel Bar

While I adore the classic combination of apricot and walnuts, one of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to make it your own!

Choose Your Favorite Preserves: If apricot isn’t your top pick, these bars will work beautifully with virtually any flavor of preserves. Raspberry, strawberry, peach, or even a mixed berry preserve would be equally delicious, offering a different but equally delightful fruity note.
Nut Swaps: Not a fan of walnuts? No problem! Pecans are an excellent substitute, offering a similar crunch and buttery flavor. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even a mix of your favorite nuts would also be fantastic in the streusel topping.
Add a Hint of Spice: While cinnamon is included, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the streusel could add another layer of warm, inviting flavor.
Citrus Zest: For an extra bright flavor dimension, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the shortbread crust.

Serving Suggestions & More

These **Apricot Walnut Streusel Bars** are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They are, of course, a fantastic dessert. Imagine them served slightly warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the ice cream to melt into the soft, fruit-filled bar. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar would also elevate them to a beautiful, elegant finale for any meal.

But dare I suggest they also make an excellent breakfast treat? With their delightful fruit filling, they possess a certain charm that makes them perfectly acceptable alongside your morning coffee or tea. Think of them as a more decadent pastry – a wonderful way to start a special day or to enjoy during a leisurely weekend brunch. Their portability also makes them ideal for packing into lunchboxes or taking to a picnic or potluck.

A rich, buttery shortbread crust, topped with tangy apricot preserves and a nutty streusel – truly what dessert, and perhaps even breakfast, dreams are made of. The textures and flavors are perfectly balanced, creating a treat that is comforting, sophisticated, and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to bake a batch that will surely become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

Apricot Walnut Streusel Bars

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 16 bars

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These Apricot Walnut Streusel Bars have a rich buttery shortbread crust topped with tangy apricot preserves and a nutty streusel topping that is simply scrumptious!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Ingredients

Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling

3/4 cup apricot preserves

Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into small cubes
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160°C). Place rack in middle of oven. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar. Beat at medium speed until well blended, about 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Slowly add the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of the prepared pan.
Filling
Carefully spread the 3/4 cup of apricot preserves evenly over the pressed crust, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Topping
In the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts. (For best results, I often use my fingers to fully incorporate the butter and create a crumbly streusel mixture).
Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the apricot preserves. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the streusel is lightly browned and the preserves appear to be bubbling around the edges.
Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully cut into 16 bars while still in the pan. Let the bars cool completely to room temperature, which will take approximately 1 hour, before removing them from the pan.
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness and delicious texture.

Nutrition

Keyword: cookie bars

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!

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