Nut Apricot Sticks are a delightful layered treat combining the richness of a buttery shortbread-like base, the tart sweetness of apricot jam, and a nut-studded meringue topping. Popular in mid-century American baking, this recipe exemplifies the era's love of fruit preserves and nuts. The combination of textures, from the tender base to the chewy jam and crisp meringue, makes it an enduring favorite for bake sales, luncheons, or teatime. These strips slice beautifully, making them as elegant as they are nostalgic.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter ( or margarine)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon peel (grated)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- apricot jam (about ½ cup or enough to cover the base)
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup walnut meats (chopped )
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Cream butter and ½ cup sugar in a medium bowl until fluffy.
- Add grated lemon peel and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually blend into creamed mixture.
Step 3: Spread Base in Pan
- Spread dough into a greased 12×8-inch shallow baking pan.
- Cover evenly with a layer of apricot jam.
Step 4: Prepare Nut Meringue
- Beat 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add ¼ cup sugar while beating.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
Step 5: Top and Bake
- Spread nut meringue evenly over the apricot jam layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
- Cut into strips.
Tips
- Substitute peach jam or raspberry jam for a different fruit profile.
- Toast the walnuts before folding into the meringue for deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm spice note.
- Use almonds or pecans instead of walnuts if preferred.
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate after cooling before slicing into strips.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest look.
- Replace half the butter with margarine for a more vintage-authentic texture.
- Add a thin drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a dessert variation.
- For a softer bar, slightly reduce baking time by 3 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
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