Best 9 Apricot And Cream Cheese Squares Recipes

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Are you in search of a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and creamy? Look no further! Apricot and cream cheese squares are an absolute delight, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dessert features a sweet and juicy apricot filling nestled between layers of rich and velvety cream cheese, all encased in a buttery and flaky crust. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. So, let's embark on a culinary journey to create these enchanting apricot and cream cheese squares that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

APRICOT-AND-CREAM CHEESE SQUARES



Apricot-and-Cream Cheese Squares image

A new take on an old favorite, this modern riff on the apricot-cheese Danish skips the complicated layered dough of the original for a simple focaccia dough. And rather than forming individual pastries, it's baked in a 9-by-13-inch pan and cut into squares. Another thing that makes this recipe easy on the cook, we use canned or jarred apricots rather than fresh.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes     Bread Recipes

Time 2h20m

Yield Makes 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (from 1 package)
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon and a pinch sugar
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 can (15 ounces) apricot halves in heavy syrup, drained
1/4 cup honey

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment, combine yeast, 3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees), and pinch of sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Beat on low speed while adding 2 tablespoons oil, salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Slowly add flour while beating until mixture just comes together. Increase speed to medium-high; beat until dough is soft and elastic, 3 minutes.
  • Coat a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan with 3 tablespoons oil. Transfer dough to pan; press to edges with your hands (being careful not to tear). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees with a rack in lower third. Press dimple-like indentations all over dough with your fingers. Stir together cream cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar; dot all over dough. Arrange 12 apricot halves on top in a 3-by-4 grid formation. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until puffed, 30 minutes.
  • Bake until golden brown on top, 23 to 25 minutes. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer with two large spatulas to a wire rack. Drizzle with honey and oil; let cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.

APRICOT CREAM CHEESE BARS



Apricot Cream Cheese Bars image

Such a delightful recipe - this is one of my favorite desserts - This is delicious with a warm cup of tea - you can even add some ice cream if you wish!!

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups apricots, chopped
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup margarine

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F Prepare 9x11 glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Next mix rolled oats with margarine, flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar, using your hands. Mixture should be loose but not dry. You should be able to make a ball and have it stick without it falling apart. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Set side the other half for topping.
  • Now mix together apricots, water, white sugar, and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Place in saucepan on the stove on medum-high for 30 minutes until the apricots are soft and mushy.
  • Next mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla in small mixing bowl. Mix it well. Pour it over the base.
  • Pour the apricot mixture over the cream cheese mixture. Finally, crumble remaining oat mixture on top.
  • Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
  • Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

APRICOT ALMOND CREAM CHEESE SQUARES



Apricot Almond Cream Cheese Squares image

I got this recipe from my girlfriend, after tasting this at her house party, I have been making these bars ever since, they are so delicious, and very rich, also, I have made these for parties, cut them small and served them in tiny muffin cups....I have never had any leftover. Also, I have used this base mix recipe, omiting the preserves of course, in lots of other recipes that call for a base, it always turns out flakey and light, with a wonderful buttery taste! (note: prepare ahead, these squares have to stay in the fridge overnight)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h

Yield 36 bars

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package yellow cake mix or 1 package white cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted (no substitutions)
1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped or ground
1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1/2 cup coconut

Steps:

  • Set oven 350 degrees.
  • Set rack to second lowest position.
  • Butter a 13x9 baking pan.
  • In a bowl, combine cake mix and melted butter; mix at low speed until crumbly.
  • Stir in almonds.
  • Reserve 1 cup base mixture.
  • Press remaining mixture in bottom of greased pan.
  • Carefully spread 1-1/2 cup preserves over base.
  • In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and egg until well blended.
  • At low speed, mix in 1/3 cup preserves.
  • Carefully spread mixture over base.
  • Combine reserved 1 cup base mixture and coconut; sprinkle over filling.
  • Bake for 30-40 mins, or until very lightly golden brown, and center is set.
  • cool, and then refrigerate overnight.
  • Cut into small squares.

APRICOT CHEESECAKE BARS



Apricot Cheesecake Bars image

If you think cheesecake is tops, wait until you try this smooth and elegant dessert.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 4h5m

Yield 64

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup apricot preserves
Powdered sugar, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Grease bottom and sides of rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Beat flour, butter, granulated sugar, 1/3 cup corn syrup and the salt in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed until dough forms. Press evenly in pan.
  • Beat cream cheese in medium bowl on medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs until well blended. Beat in 1 cup corn syrup and the vanilla until smooth. Pour over dough.
  • Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until edges are light golden brown and filling is set (filling may appear puffy.) Stir preserves; spread over hot bars. Refrigerate at least 3 hours until chilled.
  • For 64 bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows; cut bars diagonally in half. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving. Store covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 95, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 75 mg

APRICOT CHEESECAKE BARS



Apricot Cheesecake Bars image

Another one of my dad's dee-licious dessert concoctions! An easy shortbread crust with cheesecake-like batter, topped with a tangy apricot spread. I call this recipe "bars," my dad calls it "pie," neither is really correct. But, for lack of a better description, I'll have to stick with what we've got...

Provided by SPOTTYSCOTTIEGIRL

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Fruit Cookie Recipes     Apricot

Time 1h50m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

16 ounces shortbread cookies
3 large eggs
½ cup white sugar
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup finely chopped dried apricots
½ cup sour cream
½ cup apricot preserves

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Process shortbread cookies in the bowl of a food processor until finely ground. Press into a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Beat eggs and sugar together in a bowl. Add ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Mix well. Stir in apricots and spread over crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until puffed up and the edges are slightly brown, about 40 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine sour cream and apricot jam in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and spread jam topping on top while still hot. Chill until set, 1 to 2 hours. Cut into 24 bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208.3 calories, Carbohydrate 23.2 g, Cholesterol 44.9 mg, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 4.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 150 mg, Sugar 11 g

APRICOT SQUARES



Apricot Squares image

I remember my mom making these fruity bars for PTA meetings when I was in elementary school more than 40 years ago. Now I serve these bars for a variety of functions.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon lemon extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1 jar (18 ounces) apricot preserves
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extract. Combine the flour, orange zest, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Set aside one-third for the topping. , Press remaining dough into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Combine preserves, lemon juice and zest; spread evenly over crust. , Crumble reserved dough over filling. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts :

APRICOT CREAM CHEESE THUMBPRINTS



Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprints image

These always look so pretty on the cookie plates I give for Christmas.

Provided by Mellan

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Thumbprint Cookie Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 84

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ½ cups butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 cup apricot preserves
⅓ cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Cover, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using your finger, make an indention in the center of each ball, and fill with 1/2 teaspoon of apricot preserves.
  • Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 89.5 calories, Carbohydrate 11.8 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 4.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 43.3 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

APRICOT CREAM CHEESE DROPS



Apricot Cream Cheese Drops image

This treasured recipe is from a favorite aunt. Her soft, rich cookies have a yummy apricot flavor, but you could substitute strawberry, pineapple or raspberry preserves if you prefer. -Melinda Leonowitz, Birdsboro, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 30m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
FROSTING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 to 2 teaspoons 2% milk
Ground nuts or sweetened shredded coconut

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, apricot preserves, brown sugar and milk until blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; gradually add to cream cheese mixture and mix well. , Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool., For frosting, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, apricot preserves, butter and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Spread over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with nuts or coconut.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 85 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 64mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

APRICOTS AND CREAM CHEESE CAKE



Apricots and Cream Cheese Cake image

This sweet apricot dessert is topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and is large enough to satisfy a crowd.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 can (15.5 oz) apricot halves in heavy syrup, well drained
1 cup butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (5.5 oz) apricot nectar (about 2/3 cup)
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup reserved apricot puree
5 soft, dried apricots
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 lemon leaves or rose leaves

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 3 (8- or 9-inch) round pans with shortening. Line pan bottoms with waxed paper or cooking parchment paper; grease again and lightly flour. In food processor bowl with metal blade, place canned apricots. Process 30 seconds or until smooth, scraping bowl after 15 seconds; set aside.
  • In large bowl, beat 1 cup butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; beat on low speed until mixed. Measure 1/4 cup apricot puree; set aside. Add remaining apricot puree and apricot nectar to batter; beat on low speed until mixed. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Spread about 2 cups batter in each pan.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 40 minutes.
  • In large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla and reserved puree. Beat on low speed until mixed. Beat on medium speed until creamy. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups frosting into decorating bag fitted with medium star tip.
  • Place one cake layer on cake plate, top side down. Spread about 3/4 cup frosting over top. With decorating bag, pipe a wavy ring of frosting around outside top edge of cake, extending slightly over edge. Top with second layer, top side down. Repeat frosting and piping. Top with third layer, top side up. Frost top with remaining frosting; pipe edge. (Side of cake is not frosted.)
  • For garnish, separate 2 dried apricots into 4 halves. With rolling pin, roll each apricot half between 2 pieces of plastic wrap to 1 1/2-inch diameter. Set aside. Roll remaining 3 apricots between plastic wrap to about 2-inch diameters. To form rose, roll one of the apricot halves into a tight roll (center of rose). Place remaining 3 apricot halves around roll to form petals, pinching at bottom to secure. Place larger apricot circles around smaller ones, pinching together at bottom to complete rose. Sprinkle lightly with 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Place in center of cake. Place lemon leaves next to rose. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 600, Carbohydrate 83 g, Cholesterol 115 mg, Fat 5 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 450 mg, Sugar 63 g, TransFat 1 g

Tips:

  • Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth spreading and easy mixing.
  • Use a quality apricot preserves or filling with visible fruit pieces for a more vibrant flavor and texture.
  • To enhance the crust's flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  • If the crust mixture appears too crumbly, add one tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together and can be pressed into the pan.
  • Bake the bars until the crust is golden brown and the center is set. An inserted toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to prevent them from falling apart.
  • For a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice.
  • Store the apricot cream cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion:

Apricot and cream cheese squares are a delightful treat that combines a sweet and tangy filling with a buttery, flaky crust. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, these squares are a perfect homemade dessert for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe offers a straightforward guide to creating a delicious and visually appealing dessert that will impress your friends and family. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that leads to a delectable experience with every bite of these delightful apricot and cream cheese squares.

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