Apricot Almond Bars Recipe

Ingredients for Apricot Almond Bars

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 2 large egg whites
• Almond Extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• Slivered Almonds

How to Make Apricot Almond Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
4. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
7. Spread 1 cup apricot preserves evenly over the cooled crust.
8. In a separate bowl, beat 2 large egg whites until soft peaks form.
9. Add 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1 ½ cups powdered sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form.
10. Gently spread the meringue over the apricot preserves.
11. Sprinkle with ½ cup blanched almonds.
12. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the meringue is set.
13. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.