Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares

🍑🥥 Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares 🍑🥥

History:
Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares are a delightful dessert with a history rooted in the concept of convenience and simplicity. While there isn’t a specific historical account of their origin, no-bake desserts gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a quick and easy alternative to traditional baked goods. These squares are a variation of that trend, combining the sweet, chewy goodness of dried apricots with the tropical flavor of coconut.

Components:
To prepare Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups dried apricots
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Apricots: Begin by chopping the dried apricots into small pieces. You can use a food processor or a sharp knife for this.

2. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.

3. Add Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir well until everything is fully combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried apricots, desiccated coconut, rolled oats, and a pinch of salt.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are well coated and the mixture has a uniform texture.

6. Press into a Pan: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly to create an even layer.

7. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2-3 hours or until the mixture has set.

8. Cut into Squares: Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the mixture out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares or bars of your desired size.

9. Serve: Your Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a sweet treat or dessert.

Time Needed:
The preparation time for these delightful squares is relatively quick, taking approximately 15-20 minutes to prepare the mixture. The chilling time in the refrigerator typically takes 2-3 hours, so plan accordingly. In total, you can have these delicious squares ready to enjoy in around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, including preparation and chilling time.

Enjoy your homemade Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares! 🍑🥥😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 245 kcal
• Total Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 29mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: These squares provide a moderate amount of calories, making them a reasonable dessert option when consumed in moderation.

2. Healthy Fats: The majority of the fat in this recipe comes from coconut and butter. While they are sources of saturated fat, it’s worth noting that coconut contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Consuming saturated fats in moderation as part of a balanced diet is generally considered acceptable.

3. Fiber: These squares contain a decent amount of dietary fiber, thanks to the oats and dried apricots. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer.

4. Protein: While these squares are not a significant source of protein, they do provide a small amount, which can contribute to overall protein intake.

5. Added Sugars: The squares contain added sugars in the form of brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. It’s important to be mindful of added sugars in your diet, as excessive sugar consumption can have adverse health effects.

6. Portion Control: Enjoy these squares in moderation due to their calorie and sugar content. They can be a tasty occasional treat but should not be the primary source of nutrition.

7. Nutrient Variability: Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used in your recipe. Adjustments can be made for dietary preferences and restrictions.

As with any dessert, it’s best to consume Apricot and Coconut No-Bake Squares in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.