Apricot Bars

These hearty bars are a fruity and flavorful treat!

Prep Time: 25 min
Total Time: 2 hours 25 min
Makes: 16 bars

(6 ratings)

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Apricot Filling
1 3/4	cups chopped dried apricots
3/4	cup orange juice
3/4	cup water
Bars
1	cup plus 2 tablespoons Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/2	cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2	teaspoon baking powder
1/2	teaspoon baking soda
1/4	teaspoon salt
1	egg
3/4	cup packed brown sugar
2	tablespoons vegetable oil
2	tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1	teaspoon vanilla
2	teaspoons butter or margarine, softened

1.	In 1-quart saucepan, cook all filling ingredients, stirring constantly, just to boiling over medium heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apricots are tender and filling has thickened. Cool.
2.	Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix 1 cup whole wheat flour, the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, beat egg, brown sugar, oil, orange juice concentrate and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in flour mixture until blended. Reserve 1/2 cup dough mixture for topping.
3.	Pat remaining dough in pan. Spread filling over dough. Add remaining 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour and the butter to reserved dough mixture. With pastry blender or fork, mix until crumby; sprinkle over filling.
4.	Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden and firm. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.

Variation

•Date Bars: Instead of the Apricot Filling, cook and stir 1 3/4 cups chopped pitted dates (8 ounces), 1/3 cup orange juice and 1/3 cup water just to boiling in 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, simmer uncovered about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dates are tender and filling has thickened. Cool.
•Cranberry Bars: Instead of the Apricot Filling, cook and stir 1 cup dried cranberries, 3/4 cup raisins, 1 cup orange juice and 1 cup water just to boiling in 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruit is tender and filling has thickened. Cool.

Nutrition Information:

1 Bar: Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 25 ); Total Fat 3 g (Saturated Fat 1 g); Cholesterol 15 mg; Sodium 105 mg; Total Carbohydrate 30 g (Dietary Fiber 2 g); Protein 3 g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 22 %; Vitamin C 6 %; Calcium 2 %; Iron 8 % Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Fruit
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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