The Best Apricot Bars Recipe (Buttery Coconut Apricot Jam Dessert Bars)

Sunshine in snack form — these chewy, jammy apricot bars are basically spring break for your taste buds.

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up a warm spring afternoon and turn it into dessert, these buttery apricot bars are the next best thing. They’re soft, chewy, golden, and layered with sweet apricot jam that melts into the crust like it was always meant to be there. Add a lightly crisp coconut topping, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert bar that tastes like nostalgia, sunshine, and a bake sale champion all rolled into one.

This easy apricot bars recipe is the kind of dessert you make when you want something impressive without the fuss. No fancy equipment. No complicated steps. Just pantry staples, a bowl, and a craving for something sweet. Whether you’re prepping for a spring brunch, filling a dessert tray, or sneaking a square with your afternoon coffee, these old‑fashioned apricot bars deliver every single time.

And because you know I love a good fruit dessert moment, these bars fit right in with reader favorites like my cozy Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings and brunch‑ready Mini French Toast Bites.

Why You’ll Love This Apricot Bars Recipe

These homemade apricot jam bars check every dessert box: easy, nostalgic, shareable, and dangerously delicious.

• Pantry‑friendly ingredients — nothing fancy, nothing fussy.
• Perfect texture combo — buttery crust + gooey jam + chewy coconut topping.
• Make‑ahead magic — they taste even better the next day.
• Bake once, share everywhere — slice into 36 bars for parties, potlucks, or lunchbox treats.
• Endlessly customizable — swap the jam, add nuts, drizzle chocolate… go wild.

If you love fruit squares, crumb bars, or anything that feels like it came straight from a small‑town bakery window, these bars are your new go‑to.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Total Time: ~50 minutes

Yield: 36 apricot bars

Ingredients

These buttery coconut apricot bars come together with simple staples:

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 ounces apricot jam

Pro tip: Since the jam is the star, choose a high‑quality apricot jam or preserves for the best flavor.

How to Make Apricot Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and mix until smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
6. Stir in the shredded coconut and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Assemble

7. Press two‑thirds of the dough into a greased 13×9 baking pan.
8. Spread the apricot jam evenly over the crust.
9. Crumble the remaining dough over the jam.

Step 4: Bake

10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden.
11. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Expert Tips for Perfect Apricot Bars

• Use thicker preserves to avoid a runny center.
• Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it feels too soft.
• Add chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) for crunch.
• Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting and clean cuts.
• Cool fully before slicing — patience pays off.

Variations & Creative Ideas

Once you’ve mastered these easy apricot bars, try one of these fun twists:

• Raspberry Jam Bars — tart and sweet.
• Peach Coconut Bars — perfect for summer.
• Apricot Almond Bars — add sliced almonds to the topping.
• Chocolate Drizzle Bars — a little melted dark chocolate never hurt anyone.
• Extra‑Crumb Apricot Bars — double the topping for a thicker crumble.

Serving Suggestions

These bars shine in just about any setting:

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Alongside fresh whipped cream
• Paired with coffee or tea
• On spring brunch tables
• Added to holiday cookie trays

If you love fruit‑forward desserts, you’ll also enjoy my cozy Apple Dumplings or bright, citrusy Orange Shortcakes with Seasonal Fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do apricot bars last?

Up to 5 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.

Can I use homemade apricot jam?

Absolutely — it adds incredible flavor.

What other jams work well?

Raspberry, strawberry, peach, blackberry, and cherry are all delicious.

Final Thoughts

These buttery apricot bars are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable desserts. With their soft crust, gooey apricot center, and chewy coconut topping, they’re the kind of treat that disappears from the pan faster than you can say “save me one.”

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a nostalgic homemade dessert, this apricot bars recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

This recipe was originally published May 09, 2020, and updated April 4, 2026, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.