Almond Apricot Layered Bars
Indulge in the delightful Almond Apricot Layered Bars, where the sweetness of apricot jam meets a buttery almond-infused sugar cookie base. These easy-to-make bars combine the nutty crunch of finely chopped almonds with the rich flavor of melted butter, creating a tender cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Once baked, these irresistible treats are layered with a smooth jam filling and topped with a sweet glaze, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for parties, coffee breaks, or a special family treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
17.5 ounces (1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz))
Whole Almonds
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Apricot Jam or Preserves
1/2 cup (processed until smooth)
Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup (for dusting and glazing)
Water
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a 15x10x1-inch baking pan by spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
2
In a food processor or blender, blend together 1/2 cup of the sugar cookie mix with the whole almonds until the almonds are finely chopped, creating a coarse almond meal.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar cookie mix, melted butter or margarine, egg, and the prepared almond meal. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4
Spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it firmly to create a uniform base.
5
Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 3 minutes.
6
Using a knife or spatula, gently loosen the edges of the cookie from the sides of the pan. Then, carefully cut the cookie into four large rectangles (approximately 7 1/2 x 5 inches).
7
Let the rectangles cool completely on the pan for about 30 minutes.
8
While the cookie cools, process the apricot jam in your food processor until smooth, and set aside 2 teaspoons of the jam in a small bowl.
9
Spread the smooth apricot jam over the top of two of the cookie rectangles.
10
Place the remaining two cookie rectangles on top of the jam-covered rectangles, with the bottom side facing up to create a sandwich.
11
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar over each of the rectangles before proceeding to glaze.
12
In a small bowl, mix the remaining powdered sugar with the water and the reserved jam to create a smooth glaze.
13
Transfer the glaze into a small food-storage plastic bag, seal it tightly, and cut a small tip from one corner.
14
Drizzle the glaze over the top of the dusted rectangles in a diagonal crisscross pattern.
15
Allow the bars to stand for 30 minutes to set the glaze.
16
Finally, cut each rectangle in half to create 4 (7 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches) layered bars, and then slice each of those into seven 2 1/2 x 1-inch servings.
17
Store the Almond Apricot Layered Bars covered at room temperature for fresh enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Almond Apricot Layered Bars?
These bars feature a buttery almond-infused sugar cookie base layered with smooth apricot jam and topped with a sweet glaze.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
What size baking pan is needed?
You will need a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
Should the baking pan be prepared before adding the dough?
Yes, the pan should be sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
How do I create the almond meal for the cookie base?
Blend 1/2 cup of the sugar cookie mix with whole almonds in a food processor or blender until the almonds are finely chopped.
What are the wet ingredients used to form the dough?
The dough is made by combining the mix and almond meal with 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine and one beaten egg.
What should the texture of the dough be?
The ingredients should be mixed until a soft dough forms.
How do I place the dough in the pan?
Spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan and press it firmly to create a uniform base.
How long should the cookie base bake?
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
What is the first step after removing the cookie from the oven?
Allow it to cool for 3 minutes and then gently loosen the edges from the sides of the pan with a knife.
How should the baked cookie be cut for layering?
Carefully cut the cookie into four large rectangles, each approximately 7 1/2 x 5 inches.
How long do the cookie rectangles need to cool before assembly?
Let the rectangles cool completely on the pan for about 30 minutes.
How do I prepare the apricot jam filling?
Process the apricot jam in a food processor until it is smooth.
Do I use all the processed jam for the filling?
No, you should set aside 2 teaspoons of the smooth jam in a small bowl to use later for the glaze.
How are the cookie layers assembled?
Spread the jam over two of the rectangles and place the remaining two rectangles on top with the bottom side facing up.
What is the first step of the topping process?
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar over each of the assembled rectangles.
What ingredients make up the glaze?
The glaze is a mixture of the remaining powdered sugar, water, and the reserved 2 teaspoons of apricot jam.
How do I apply the glaze to the bars?
Transfer the glaze to a small plastic bag, cut a small tip from one corner, and drizzle it in a diagonal crisscross pattern.
How long does the glaze take to set?
Allow the bars to stand for 30 minutes to set the glaze.
What is the final serving size of each bar?
Each finished serving is approximately 2 1/2 x 1 inch.
How many total servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe produces 28 individual servings.
How should these bars be stored?
Store the bars covered at room temperature for fresh enjoyment.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine.
What type of cookie mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 17.5-ounce pouch of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix.
Is the egg added whole to the mix?
The egg should be beaten before being added to the dough mixture.
Why is the jam processed until smooth?
Processing the jam ensures it spreads evenly and can be easily mixed into the glaze.
What equipment is needed to chop the almonds?
A food processor or blender is recommended for creating the almond meal.
What makes these bars visually appealing?
The diagonal crisscross glaze pattern over the powdered sugar dusting provides a professional look.
Can these be served at parties?
Yes, they are ideal for parties, coffee breaks, or as a special family treat.
Why are two rectangles placed bottom side up during assembly?
Placing the flat bottom side up creates a smoother surface for the dusting and glaze.