Introduction

I make plenty of homemade pantry staples for everyday cooking, but pantry mixes can be just as useful when it comes to baking.

The idea is really simple. Instead of getting out all the ingredients every time you want to make something, you do the measuring and preparation ahead of time. Then you’ve got your own homemade version of a packet mix sitting on the pantry shelf, ready to use when you need it.

This No-Bake Apricot Slice is perfect for that. The biscuits can be crushed, the dried apricots chopped and everything measured out ahead of time. When you’re ready to make the slice, all you need to add is butter and sweetened condensed milk.

It’s a handy one to have tucked away for lunchbox baking, afternoon tea or those weeks when you want something homemade but don’t particularly want to start from scratch.

Watch the Video

I originally shared this No-Bake Apricot Slice Pantry Mix on my YouTube channel a couple of years ago as part of one of my pantry-prep videos.

You can watch how I prepare the mix ahead of time and then turn it into the finished apricot slice. It’s an older video now, but the idea behind it is just as useful — doing a little preparation when you have the time to make things easier later.

Watch the original video here: 3 Easy Homemade Pantry Baking Mixes | Perfect for Gift Giving

Other Recipes You May Like

If you enjoy making your own pantry staples and getting ahead in the kitchen, you might also like:

• Homemade Golden Syrup
• Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Homemade Pancake Dry Mix
• Homemade Baking Powder

How to Make the No-Bake Apricot Slice Pantry Mix

Add to your pantry mix:

• 500g plain sweet biscuits
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup shredded coconut

To prepare the mix:

1. Place the biscuits into a food processor and process until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a sturdy bag and crush with a rolling pin.
2. Chop the dried apricots into small pieces.
3. Combine the biscuit crumbs, brown sugar, chopped apricots and shredded coconut in a large bowl.
4. Mix well so everything is evenly distributed.
5. Transfer to a large airtight container, jar or food-safe bag.
6. Label the mix No-Bake Apricot Slice, along with the date and the ingredients you’ll need to add later.

Add when you’re ready to make the slice:

• 1 × tin sweetened condensed milk
• 250g butter
• Extra shredded coconut, for topping

How to Store Your Pantry Mix

Keep your prepared Apricot Slice Mix in a well-sealed airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.

Because the biscuits have already been crushed and there is dried fruit in the mixture, keeping moisture out is important. I would aim to use the mix within 6-12 months for the best quality.

It’s also a good idea to check the best-before dates on the ingredients you’re using when you prepare the mix. If one ingredient needs to be used sooner, use that date as your guide.

How to Make No-Bake Apricot Slice

Once your pantry mix is prepared, making the actual slice is really easy.

You Will Need

• 1 prepared No-Bake Apricot Slice Pantry Mix
• 1 tin sweetened condensed milk
• 250g butter
• Extra shredded coconut, for topping

1. Line a 10 × 15-inch (approximately 25 × 38cm) slice tray with baking paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Empty the prepared No-Bake Apricot Slice Pantry Mix into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the sweetened condensed milk and butter to a saucepan.
4. Heat gently over low heat until the butter has completely melted.
5. Pour the hot condensed milk and butter mixture over the prepared pantry mix.
6. Stir well until the biscuit crumbs, apricots and coconut are evenly coated and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared tray and press firmly into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle extra shredded coconut over the top and lightly press it into the slice.
9. Cover and refrigerate until completely cold and set.
10. Once firm, cut into squares or bars and store in the fridge or an airtight baking container.

Stacey’s Kitchen Tips

• Crush the biscuits before storing the mix. The whole point is to make things easier later, so get that job out of the way while you’re preparing your pantry mix.
• Chop the apricots fairly small. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the slice and makes it easier to cut.
• Label what you need to add. Writing the butter and condensed milk directly on the container means you can make the slice without having to find the recipe first.
• Press the mixture firmly into the tray. This will help the finished slice hold together nicely once it has chilled.
• Let it set properly. Give the slice enough time in the fridge to become completely cold and firm before cutting it.
• Prepare more than one mix. If you’ve already got all the ingredients and equipment out, you can easily make a second mix to put away for another day.

Variations & Substitutions

• Plain biscuits: Use your favourite plain sweet biscuit. Choose something fairly simple that will crush easily into fine crumbs.
• Coconut: Desiccated coconut can be used if you don’t have shredded coconut.
• Apricots: You can adjust the dried apricots slightly depending on how fruity you like your slice.
• White chocolate: For something a little different, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top once the slice has chilled.
• Smaller batch: You can halve the recipe if you don’t need such a large amount.

Storage, Freezer & Make-Ahead Notes

Pantry Mix: Store the prepared dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. For the best quality, aim to use it within 6-12 months, while also taking the original best-before dates of your ingredients into account.

Finished Slice: Keep the finished apricot slice in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re stacking the pieces, place a sheet of baking paper between the layers to help prevent them sticking together.

Freezing: You can also freeze the finished slice. Cut it into individual portions first, separate the layers with baking paper and place them into a freezer-safe airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Make Ahead: You have two options with this recipe. Prepare the dry mix and keep it in the pantry until you need it, or make the finished slice ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

Final Thoughts

Making your own pantry mixes isn’t about adding another job to the kitchen list. For me, it’s about doing a little bit of work when I have the time so there’s less to think about on another day.

With this one, the measuring, chopping and biscuit crushing are already done. When you feel like making a slice, you can grab the container from the pantry, add two ingredients and get it into the fridge.

It’s still the same homemade apricot slice — you’ve just made things a little easier for yourself along the way.