Scrumptious Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sunshine-sweet apricots dance through these delectable oatmeal crumble bars, promising a delightful twist on classic dessert favorites.

Luscious fruit mingles with buttery, golden-brown oat layers that create an irresistible texture.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of rustic charm and elegant flavor.

The recipe marries simple ingredients with stunning results, turning ordinary afternoons into memorable moments.

Warm spices whisper through the crumbly topping, enhancing the bright, tangy apricot filling.

Rich, hearty oats provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft fruit center.

Served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, these bars will become your new go-to summer treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that helps bind ingredients and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden, crispy crumble topping.
• Rolled Oats: Brings hearty texture, nutty flavor, and wholesome goodness to the bar's structure.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps create a sturdy, crumbly base for the dessert.
• Baking Soda: Helps the crumble achieve a light, slightly puffy texture and aids in browning.

• Apricot Preserves: Delivers vibrant, sunny sweetness with a tangy undertone, creating a luscious fruity core that complements the buttery crumble.

Tools That Help Build Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect bar shape and size.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Helps prevent bars from sticking to the pan.
• Mixing bowl: Crucial for combining crumble ingredients smoothly.
• Fork or pastry cutter: Perfect for creating the ideal crumbly texture.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Helps spread apricot preserves evenly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting cooled bars into neat squares.
• Cooling rack (optional): Allows bars to cool evenly and quickly.

Instructions for Baking Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a delectable dessert. Lightly coat a square baking pan with a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Crumbly Foundation

Mix soft butter, sweet brown sugar, and pantry staples in a large bowl. Gently blend until the mixture looks like sandy pebbles with just enough moisture to hold together when squeezed.

• Base Layer

Press about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture into the pan, creating a solid foundation that will cradle the fruity center. Pack it down firmly to ensure a sturdy base for your bars.

• Fruity Heart

Spread a luscious layer of bright apricot preserves across the crumbly base. Leave a tiny border around the edges to prevent any messy overflow during baking.

• Crumble Topping

Scatter the remaining crumbly mixture over the apricot layer, creating a rustic, uneven landscape of deliciousness. The more random, the more homemade it looks.

• Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the waiting oven. Bake until the top turns a golden honey color and the apricot starts to bubble with excitement – about 30-35 minutes.

• Patience and Serving

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This waiting game allows the bars to set and become easier to slice. Cut into nine perfect squares and enjoy the sweet rewards of your baking adventure.

Ways to Tweak Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars to Your Taste

• Fruity Flavor Boost: Swap apricot preserves with other fruit spreads like raspberry, peach, or mixed berry for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
• Nutty Crunch Enhancement: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the crumble mixture to add extra texture and a rich, toasty flavor that complements the sweet fruit layer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bars up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and maintain their delicious crumbly texture perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Serving Sensation: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar just before serving to elevate the bars from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

Serving Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars with Flair

• Breakfast Bliss Companion: Pair these apricot oatmeal crumble bars with a steaming cup of morning coffee or herbal tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Dessert Delight Upgrade: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to transform this treat into an elegant dessert.
• Picnic Perfect Pack: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for a portable snack during outdoor adventures, road trips, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Arrange bars on a beautiful ceramic plate and serve alongside light sandwiches and other pastries for a sophisticated afternoon tea spread that will impress guests.

Best Methods to Store Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep bars sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining their delightful crumbly texture and flavor.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Extend shelf life by storing in the refrigerator up to 7 days. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve moisture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for quick dessert options. Thaw at room temperature for best taste and texture.
• Portion Control Trick: Cut bars into individual servings before storing. This allows easy grab-and-go snacking and helps maintain freshness by minimizing repeated container opening.

Heavenly Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet homemade apricot oatmeal crumble bars combine rustic charm with fruity goodness. Buttery oat layers and tangy apricot filling promise delightful moments of pure comfort for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) rolled oats
• ¾ cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) apricot preserves
• ½ cup (115 g) butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in center and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Coat 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray for effortless removal.
2. Crumble Creation: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour in mixing bowl. Blend using fork or pastry cutter until mixture achieves a loose, textured consistency with slight cohesion.
3. Base Layer: Press two-thirds of oat mixture firmly into prepared baking dish, forming a compact, uniform foundation for the apricot filling. Ensure even distribution and tight packing.
4. Filling and Topping: Spread apricot preserves across base, leaving a narrow border to prevent overflow. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over preserves, creating an uneven, rustic top layer that will crisp and golden during baking.
5. Baking Process: Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Monitor for rich golden crumble and bubbling preserves, indicating perfect doneness and caramelization.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely within baking dish. This resting period enables layers to set and stabilize. Once cooled, slice into nine equal squares. Optional: Garnish with vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Spray evenly with non-stick coating to prevent sticking and ensure smooth bar removal after baking.
• Crumble Consistency Matters: Mix ingredients gently with a fork to create a loose, textured mixture that allows crispy, crumbly top when baked.
• Preserve Placement Technique: Spread apricot preserves carefully, leaving a small border to prevent burning and messy overflow during baking.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let bars rest completely in the baking dish to help layers set properly, ensuring clean and neat square cuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg