Turkish Apricot Cream Blondies

This recipe was featured in my Blondie & Brownie swap event, which you can read about HERE.

Blondie Base:
2/3 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/4 t. baking soda
1 c. toasted shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream Cheese mixture:
Butter 9 X 13 panIn a small bowl, beat together 1/4 c. softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
Add 1/2 c. sugar, 2 eggs, 2 T. flour and 2 t. vanilla; beat well.
Fold in diced apricots; set aside.

Blondie Base:
In a large saucepan, melt 2/3 c. butter.
Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar.
Beat in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla.
Stir in 2 cups of flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; blend well.
Fold in coconut.

To Assemble:
Spread 1/2 of coconut batter evenly in pan.
Spread cream cheese mixture over top, covering batter completely.
Spoon dollops of remaining coconut batter over cream cheese layer, covering as much as possible.
Lightly swirl top batters with a knife.
Bake about 50 minutes, or until golden, and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in pan. Chill, and then cut into bars.

Overview of Turkish Apricot Blondies

Turkish Apricot Blondies are a sweet and creamy dessert treat that originates from Istanbul, Turkey. Originating from a traditional sweet treat, these unique blondies are usually served in the afternoon with a cup of coffee. With their creamy, buttery flavor and dense texture, these unique and flavorful blondies have become popular around the world.

Authentic Turkish Ingredient Profile

The most important factor in creating the perfect Turkish Apricot Blondie is obtaining the authentic ingredients. Turkish Apricot Blondies require all-natural ingredients that aren’t easily found everywhere. Finding the Turkish apricot jam is usually the biggest challenge of all for home bakers. The other key ingredient is the cream cheese, which make up the delicate cream layer that sets off the blondie’s texture and flavor. For the dough, you’ll need butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and baking powder to create the base, giving the blondie its distinct flavor and texture. These ingredients come together to create an indulgent and balanced flavor profile for Turkish Apricot Blondies.

Bakery-Style Recipe Variations

When it comes to creating the perfect Turkish Apricot Blondie, there are several variations of the recipe. The variations offer unique methods for creating the best Turkish Apricot Blondie you can. One way to change up the recipe is to add ingredients like walnuts, chopped up dried apricots, or crushed pistachios. These additions add flavor and texture to the blondie.

Another way to change up the recipe is to spice it up. Adding cardamom and some rose water can add a floral, exotic flavor to the blondie. Adding other types of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper can give the blondies an interesting flavor.

Finally, there is one variation of the Turkish Apricot Blondie recipe that is based off of the traditional Turkish dessert known as katmer. This variation involves rolling the blondie dough into a sheet and then slicing it into triangles. This method of preparation helps keep the blondies from drying out and resulting in a softer interior.

Variations on the Traditional Turkish Apricot Cream Blondies

Turkish Apricot Cream Blondies offer many different variations and adaptations of the traditional recipe. One straightforward variation of the recipe is to substitute the Turkish apricot preserves with cherry preserves. This variation can be extremely beneficial for those who are unable to find the traditional Turkish jam.

Another variation is to use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche instead of cream cheese. This variation produces a more tart flavor and a more doughy texture. Adding some milk and a bit of flour to help bring out the soft texture and balance out the sweetness of the jam.

Finally, some recipes also call for substituting the butter with a lighter alternative, like margarine. This variation will result in a more light and airy texture, while still having the same delicious taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where does the Turkish Apricot Cream Blondie originate from?
A: The Turkish Apricot Blondie originates from Istanbul, Turkey. It is a traditional sweet treat, usually served in the afternoon with a cup of coffee.

Q: What is the key ingredient in a traditional Turkish Apricot Cream Blondie?
A: The key ingredient is the Turkish apricot jam. This jam is usually the hardest to find as it is not easily available everywhere.

Q: What variations of the recipe are there?
A: There are numerous variations of the traditional recipe. You can add walnuts, dried apricots, crushed pistachios, cardamom, rose water, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper, Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, margarine, and more.

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