Apricot Streusel Bars

🍑 Apricot Streusel Bars 🍑

What is it?
Apricot Streusel Bars are a delightful dessert consisting of three layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and tangy apricot filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. These bars strike a perfect balance between the tartness of the apricots and the sweetness of the crumbly topping, making them a beloved treat.

History:
The exact origin of Apricot Streusel Bars is not well-documented, but similar fruit-filled streusel bars have been enjoyed in various forms for centuries. Streusel itself is a German word meaning “sprinkle” or “strew,” and the technique of layering a crumbly topping over fruit or pastry has deep roots in European baking traditions. Apricot bars likely evolved as a variation, making use of apricots’ natural sweetness and tartness.

Components:

• Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• Apricot Filling:

  • 2 cups apricot preserves or fresh apricots, pitted and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
   • Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.

2. Make the Apricot Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine the apricot preserves (or chopped fresh apricots), lemon juice, and cornstarch.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

   • In a separate bowl, mix flour and sugar.
   • Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Bars:

   • Spread the apricot filling evenly over the baked crust.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apricot filling.

5. Bake Again:

   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown.

6. Cool and Cut:

   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars.

Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apricot Streusel Bars is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including preparation and baking time. It’s important to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.

Enjoy your delicious Apricot Streusel Bars! 🍑🍪😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Streusel Bars:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 240-260 calories per bar (varies based on serving size and ingredients used)
• Total Fat: About 10-12 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6-7 grams
• Cholesterol: 25-30 mg
• Sodium: 40-50 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams

Health Information:

• Apricot Streusel Bars are a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and calorie content.
• The shortbread crust and streusel topping are made with butter, which adds saturated fat. It’s important to be mindful of saturated fat intake.
• Apricots, the main fruit in these bars, are a good source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
• The bars may also provide a small amount of essential minerals and vitamins from the flour used in the crust and topping.
• While these bars contain some nutritional value from apricots and wheat flour, they are primarily a dessert and should be balanced with a healthy diet.

It’s always a good idea to enjoy such treats in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle.