Buttery Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe: Sweet Bites!

Irresistible apricot oatmeal crumble bars blend sweet fruit with hearty grains in a delectable dessert.

Bakers adore these rustic treats for their simple yet sophisticated profile.

Soft, jammy fruit nestles between layers of buttery, golden-brown crumble.

Crisp edges and tender center create a delightful textural contrast that melts in your mouth.

Traditional recipes often highlight seasonal stone fruits, making these bars a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

Homemade comfort shines through every crumbly, golden bite of this classic dessert.

You’ll fall in love with the perfect balance of sweetness and wholesome oats.

Why Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars Are the Right Mix of Sweet and Hearty

• Savor Sweet-Tangy Fusion: Apricot preserves deliver a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly balances the rich, buttery oatmeal crumble, creating a mouthwatering taste sensation in every bite.
• Enjoy Irresistible Texture Contrast: The crisp, crumbly oat topping meets the smooth, gooey apricot layer, offering a delightful textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This simple one-bowl recipe requires minimal prep time and basic ingredients, making it an ideal treat for busy home bakers who want a delicious dessert without complicated steps.
• Embrace Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert topped with vanilla ice cream, these bars adapt to any occasion and satisfy sweet cravings effortlessly.

Ingredients for Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars

• Butter: Creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps bind the crumble.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a soft, caramelized texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the crumble achieve a light, slightly risen texture.

• Rolled Oats: Hearty whole grain that creates a rustic, chewy texture in the bars.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps hold the crumble together.

• Apricot Preserves: Sweet, tangy fruit spread that adds a bright, luscious flavor to the bars.

How to Bake Soft and Chewy Apricot Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This little trick ensures your bars will slide out like magic when they’re done.

Step 2: Create the Crumble Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Rolled oats
• All-purpose flour

Dive in with a fork or pastry cutter, mixing until the ingredients transform into a delightful, sandy texture. You want it to hold together when gently squeezed but still look wonderfully crumbly.

Step 3: Build the Crust Foundation

Scoop out 2 cups of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Create a smooth, even layer that’ll serve as the delicious base for your bars.

Step 4: Spread the Fruity Layer

Gently spread apricot preserves across the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. This prevents any sticky overflow and keeps your baking dish looking clean.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Crumble Topping

Shower the remaining oat mixture over the apricot preserves. Aim for an even distribution to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling preserves. The crumble should look crisp and inviting, with the apricot layer looking warm and tempting.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Patience is key! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps them set and makes cutting a breeze. Once cooled, slice into 9 square portions. Serve as is, or elevate the experience with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for a Perfect Oatmeal Crumble Topping

• Crumble Consistency Tip: Mix the oat mixture gently to maintain a loose, slightly clumpy texture that will create a perfect crispy topping when baked.
• Preserve Spreading Technique: Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread apricot preserves evenly, ensuring a smooth and consistent fruit layer.
• Baking Pan Preparation: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars, preventing any sticking.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature to allow the layers to set and develop a firm, sliceable texture.
• Storage Savvy Trick: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing their delightful crumbly texture.

How to Store and Reheat Apricot Crumble Bars

• Refrigerate: Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This will help restore the crispy crumble texture and make the apricot layer warm and gooey again.

Pairings for Apricot Oatmeal Bars

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Delight: Serve these warm apricot bars alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream. The cool, rich creaminess perfectly balances the sweet and tangy apricot crumble, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
• Complement with Herbal Tea Harmony: Brew a cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea to enjoy with these bars. The delicate tea flavors enhance the apricot's fruity notes and provide a soothing contrast to the buttery crumble.
• Match with Nutty Yogurt Companion: Top the bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt sprinkled with chopped almonds or pistachios. This combination adds a protein-rich, crunchy element that elevates the dessert's texture and nutritional profile.
• Enhance with Dessert Wine Elegance: Serve a small glass of sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling alongside the bars. The wine's light, fruity sweetness beautifully complements the apricot preserves and creates a sophisticated dessert pairing.

New Ways to Make Oatmeal Crumble Bars Shine

• Berry Bliss Bars: Swap apricot preserves with a mix of strawberry and raspberry jam for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that bursts with summer sweetness.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the crumble mixture and drizzle caramel sauce over the finished bars for added richness and texture.
• Tropical Paradise Squares: Replace apricot preserves with mango or passion fruit jam, and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a vacation-inspired dessert that transports your taste buds.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix mini chocolate chips into the crumble topping and use chocolate-apricot preserves for an indulgent, decadent version of the original recipe.

Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luscious apricot oatmeal crumble bars blend sweet fruit with hearty oats in a delightful dessert. Homemade goodness fills each bite, promising comfort and satisfaction that calls you back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup apricot preserves

Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup packed brown sugar

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating an 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish with non-stick spray, ensuring easy removal after baking. Position the oven rack in the center and warm the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Craft the foundational crumble mixture by blending softened butter, brown sugar, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour in a mixing bowl. Utilize a fork or pastry cutter to generate a textured, slightly cohesive mixture that maintains a loose, granular consistency.
3. Compress precisely 2 cups of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform, tightly packed base layer that will support the upcoming apricot filling.
4. Delicately spread apricot preserves across the crust, maintaining a small border around the edges to prevent overflow and potential burning during baking.
5. Generously distribute the remaining oat mixture over the preserves, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will transform into a crispy, golden-brown surface during baking.
6. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a rich golden color on the crumble and bubbling preserves, indicating the bars have reached optimal doneness.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the baking dish. This resting period enables the layers to set and stabilize, facilitating clean, precise cutting. Once cooled, slice into nine equal squares and serve. Optional: complement with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for enhanced indulgence.

Notes

• Each bite promises a perfect balance between soft, gooey apricot layers and a crunchy, buttery oat topping that melts in your mouth.
• Storing these bars in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 3 days.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg