Best 10 Date Or Apricot Squares Recipes

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Embark on a delectable journey as we explore the art of crafting two classic treats: date squares and apricot squares. These timeless desserts, known for their rich flavors and satisfying textures, hold a special place in the hearts of many. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, let us guide you through the process of creating these irresistible treats, perfect for any occasion. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the techniques that bring these recipes to life, we'll provide you with all the knowledge and inspiration you need to create these delectable squares that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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-DATE BARS



Apricot-Date Bars image

A makeover of the old date bars, these bars have a delightful sweet-tart filling, are thin and crispy. Really nice with a cup of tea or coffee. Store in a tightly sealed container.

Provided by Jan Mowbray

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Fruit Cookie Recipes     Date

Time 1h40m

Yield 49

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ¾ cups quick-cooking oats
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar, divided
¾ tablespoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cups pitted and chopped dates
1 ¼ cups chopped dried apricots
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Mix oats, flour, 1 cup brown sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly.
  • Press a little over half of the crumbly mixture into the bottom of a 10x15-inch baking pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until starting to brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Combine remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, dates, apricots, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, breaking up any clumps, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool filling slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Drop spoonfuls of warm filling over the crust. Spread evenly with an offset spatula. Sprinkle remaining crumbly mixture evenly over the filling; press gently into the filling.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until top is lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Cut into 1-1/4x2-inch bars with a pastry cutter while still hot. Cool bars in the pan, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.6 calories, Carbohydrate 16.9 g, Cholesterol 7.5 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 88.4 mg, Sugar 11.2 g

APRICOT DATE SQUARES



Apricot Date Squares image

Memories of her mom's fruity date bars inspired Shannon Koene of Blacksburg, Virginia to create this wonderful recipe. "I've had great results replacing the apricot jam with orange marmalade," notes Shannon.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup 100% apricot spreadable fruit or jam
1-3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and dates. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1-1/3 cups and is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. , Remove from the heat. Stir in spreadable fruit until blended; set aside. In a food processor, combine the oats, flour, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add butter; cover and process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. , Press 3 cups crumb mixture into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread date mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture; press down gently. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 65mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

DATE OR APRICOT SQUARES



Date or Apricot Squares image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dessert

Time 1h

Yield About 16 squares

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, more for greasing pan
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 pound pitted dates or dried apricots
2 eggs
1 cup light brown sugar
Pinch salt

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan (not necessary with nonstick pan).
  • Combine butter, 1 cup flour and the granulated sugar in a food processor. Pulse until ingredients are pebbly and crumbly; mixture will be quite dry. Press into pan, and bake for 15 minutes or until shell is evenly cooked.
  • If fruit is very dry, stew it in water to cover in a small saucepan until soft, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain very well, then chop. Combine in a bowl with eggs, brown sugar, remaining flour and salt.
  • Remove pan from oven, and pour fruit batter over crust. Bake until lightly browned and firm on edges but still a little soft in middle, about 30 minutes. Cool, then cut into squares and serve. Store, covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 177, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 31 milligrams, Sugar 20 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ORCHARD DATE-APRICOT BARS



Orchard Date-Apricot Bars image

Betty Crocker's Heart Healthy Cookbook shares a recipe! Enjoy these delicious bars spread with date-apricot filling that's perfect for a dessert.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h50m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 cups dates (8 ounces pitted)
1 1/2 cups dried apricots, cut-up (8 ounces)
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup canola or soybean oil
3/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

Steps:

  • In medium saucepan, mix all filling ingredients until well blended. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Heat oven to 400°F. Spray rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, with cooking spray.
  • Mix brown sugar and oil in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients; mixture will be moist and crumbly. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Spread with date-apricot filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture; press lightly.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 150, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 90 mg, Sugar 17 g, TransFat 0 g

DATE & APPLE SQUARES



Date & apple squares image

A chewy, oaty tray bake with sticky dates and apples - bound to be a big hit.

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Afternoon tea, Dessert

Time 55m

Yield Makes 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

225g butter , plus a little extra for greasing
140g cooking apple , peeled, cored and chopped
140g stoned date , chopped
280g light soft brown sugar
175g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
100g porridge oat

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Grease an 18cm square tin and line with baking parchment.
  • Tip the apples into a pan with 2 tbsp water. Bring to the boil and simmer on a low heat for 5 mins until tender and slightly pulpy. Add the dates and 50g of the sugar, and cook for a further 5 mins. Take off the heat and break the apples down with the back of a spoon until smooth and well mixed with the dates. Set aside.
  • Gently melt the butter in a saucepan. Mix the flour, bicarb, oats and remaining sugar in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir well until oats are coated.
  • Press half the mixture firmly into the tin, spread the apple mix on top and smooth over. Cover with the remaining oat mixture and press down. Bake for 30-35 mins until golden and firm. Cool in the tin before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 513 calories, Fat 24 grams fat, SaturatedFat 15 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 68 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 47 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 5 grams protein, Sodium 0.8 milligram of sodium

APRICOT SQUARES



Apricot Squares image

During a visit to my future in-laws house many years ago, a friend of theirs made these delicious apricot bars. Before I flew home, I had the recipe in my hand to take back with me.

Provided by Caryn

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h30m

Yield 1 eight inch square baking pan, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2/3 cup dried apricot
boiling water
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup nuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place the dried apricots into boiling water for 10 minutes; drain.
  • Chop cooled apricots; set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
  • Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
  • In a small bowl, mix together butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup flour.
  • Press this mixture into prepared pan.
  • Bake 25 minutes; set aside.
  • In a small bowl, beat together eggs and brown sugar.
  • Fold in 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, and salt; mix till combined.
  • Stir in vanilla, chopped apricots, and nuts.
  • Spread evenly over top of baked layer.
  • Bake 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
  • Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.
  • Cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200.8, Fat 8.7, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 41.7, Sodium 132.1, Carbohydrate 29, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 19.5, Protein 2.9

LUSCIOUS APRICOT SQUARES



Luscious Apricot Squares image

Submitted by Tina Ireland of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. This bar-cookie recipe was handed down to Tina by her mother, Bette.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the pan
2/3 cup dried apricots
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light-brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-by-8- by-2-inch baking pan, and set aside.
  • Place apricots in a small saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to simmer, and cook until plumped, about 15 minutes. Drain through a fine sieve, and chop fine. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, butter, and granulated sugar. Using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, blend until crumbly and combined. Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using your hands, pat crust evenly into pan. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.
  • Combine remaining 1/3 cup flour, reserved chopped apricots, brown sugar, eggs, walnuts, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, beat until combined; scrape down sides of bowl twice. Pour mixture over crust, and return to oven. Bake until top is golden, about 20 minutes.
  • Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

FIRST PLACE APRICOT-DATE BARS



First Place Apricot-Date Bars image

This recipe goes way back; I grew up loving these bars. I entered this in the Jefferson County Fair on August 28, 2010. It won First Place.

Provided by Judi Harris

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Fruit Cookie Recipes     Date

Time 2h10m

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 11

½ cup brown sugar
1 cup pitted Medjool dates, cut into small pieces
8 ounces dried apricots, cut into small pieces
½ cup apricot nectar (such as Kern's®)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup vegetable shortening, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups rolled oats

Steps:

  • Place 1/2 cup of brown sugar into a saucepan along with the dates and apricots; pour in the apricot nectar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until the nectar has mostly evaporated and the mixture is sticky, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Grease a baking sheet.
  • Stir the melted shortening and vanilla extract into 1 cup of brown sugar in a large bowl until no lumps remain. Stir in the flour mixture and oats; work well with your hands until the mixture is evenly combined. Press half of the oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cooled apricot mixture evenly over the oats, then press the remaining oat mixture evenly over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 107.8 calories, Carbohydrate 18.6 g, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 77.5 mg, Sugar 11.5 g

APRICOT AND DATE BARS



Apricot and Date Bars image

A hearty cobbler, loaded with dried fruits and nuts - in bar form. Betty Crocker® snickerdoodle cookie mix makes this wonderful dessert easy to make.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h10m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup chopped pitted dates
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup apricot jam
1 pouch Betty Crocker™ snickerdoodle cookie mix
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • In 2-quart saucepan, mix orange juice, dates, apricots and cherries. Heat to boiling over medium heat. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 30 minutes. Drain. In small bowl, mix dried fruit and apricot jam.
  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, place cookie mix and cinnamon-sugar packet. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through mix in opposite directions), until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture. Press remaining mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool.
  • Top partially baked crust with fruit mixture. Mix reserved 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture and the pecans. Sprinkle over fruit mixture.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely in pan on cooling rack, about 1 hour. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190, Carbohydrate 30 g, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 170 mg

Tips:

  • To make the perfect pastry, use cold butter and work it into the flour quickly and lightly. This will prevent the pastry from becoming tough.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pastry by hand. Just be sure to work the butter and flour together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • When rolling out the pastry, be sure to do so on a lightly floured surface. This will prevent the pastry from sticking.
  • If the pastry is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
  • Bake the pastry until it is golden brown and cooked through. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
  • Once the pastry is baked, allow it to cool slightly before filling it.
  • For the filling, use ripe dates or apricots. This will ensure that the filling is sweet and flavorful.
  • If you are using dates, be sure to pit them before chopping them.
  • You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as nuts, seeds, or spices.
  • Spread the filling evenly over the pastry before baking.
  • Bake the squares until the filling is bubbling and the pastry is golden brown. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
  • Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting them into bars.

Conclusion:

Date or apricot squares are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual party to a special holiday gathering. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your date or apricot squares turn out perfect every time.

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