French Apricot Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
These decadent French Apricot Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for potlucks, dessert trays, or any occasion that calls for a little indulgence. With a buttery, crumbly base, a sweet and tangy apricot preserve layer, and a rich cream cheese topping, this dessert is sure to be a hit. The best part? Itβs easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making it a great option for both experienced bakers and beginners alike.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Margarine | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1/3 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Cream cheese | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Egg (for cream cheese mixture) | 1 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 Bar) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 212.7 |
| Fat | 8.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 28.5 mg |
| Sodium | 214.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32.4 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Protein | 2.4 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Start by heating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting that golden-brown top on these bars.
-
Prepare your baking pan: Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to ensure that the bars come out easily after baking.
-
Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, margarine, and egg. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly, with small pea-sized pieces.
-
Set aside the topping: Take about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture and set it aside in a small bowlβthis will be used for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
-
Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is slightly golden around the edges.
-
Spread the apricot preserves: Once the crust is baked, spread the apricot preserves evenly over the crust, covering it completely for a sweet and fruity layer.
-
Make the cream cheese filling: In a separate small bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg. Beat together until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps.
-
Top with cream cheese mixture: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the apricot preserves, creating a smooth, even layer on top.
-
Add the topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cream cheese layer, covering it generously.
-
Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 28-30 minutes. The top should be lightly golden brown and the filling set.
-
Cool and chill: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. After cooling, place them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to chill and set fully. This will make them easier to cut into neat bars.
-
Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, cut the bars into 24 squares and serve! These bars are best kept refrigerated to maintain their creamy texture.
Servings and Yield
- Yield: 24 bars
- Servings: 24 bars (1 bar per serving)
Tips and Variations
- Substitute preserves: If apricot isn’t your favorite flavor, feel free to swap it out with other fruit preserves, such as raspberry, peach, or strawberry.
- Add a twist: For a fun variation, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb mixture for an extra crunch.
- Make it lighter: If youβre looking to reduce the fat content, you can substitute the cream cheese with a reduced-fat version and use margarine instead of butter.
This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for those days when you need something sweet but donβt have a lot of time to spare. Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or just because, French Apricot Cream Cheese Bars will surely be a crowd-pleaser!
