Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Introduction
If you’re looking for a new sweet treat to satisfy your dessert cravings, apricot oatmeal crumble bars might just be the perfect solution! This delightful recipe combines the tangy sweetness of apricots with a buttery oatmeal crumble for a textured and flavor-packed dessert. These bars are versatile, perfect for snacking, family gatherings, or even a quick breakfast treat. They are simple to make and absolutely delicious!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the crust & crumble:
unsalted butter – 1 cup, melted
brown sugar – 1 cup
vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
all-purpose flour – 1 cup
rolled oats – 1 cup
baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
salt – 1/2 teaspoon
For the filling:
apricot preserves – 1 cup
cornstarch – 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
Making these apricot oatmeal crumble bars is a straightforward process, and the preparation won’t take long. The prep mainly involves creating the crust and crumble mixture, mixing the filling, and layering everything in the pan. Estimated prep time is just about 15 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable task even for beginners in baking!
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
After the layers are ready, the oven works its magic! The cook time for these bars is approximately 30-35 minutes, allowing the crust and crumble to become perfectly golden and crisp. Combined with the prep time, the total time to make this dish is about 45-50 minutes.
This recipe yields about 12-16 bars, depending on how you cut them. They have just the right balance of sweetness and tartness with a delightfully crumbly texture. Perfect for sharing or indulging!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish
Line an 8”x8” baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Add Butter to Dry Mixture
Cut the cold butter into small cubes. Add it to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine the mixture until it becomes crumbly.
Press Mixture into Pan
Take 2/3 of the crumbly mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Reserve the remaining 1/3 of the mixture for the topping.
Layer Apricot Filling
Gently spread the apricot preserves over the pressed crust in an even layer.
Add Topping
Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the apricot layer.
Bake
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Slice and Serve
Once cooled, carefully slice the bars into desired portions and serve.
Notes
Pan Size
Ensure to use an 8”x8” pan for the correct texture and consistency. A different size may affect baking times and results.
Apricot Preserves
You can adjust the amount of apricot preserves to suit your taste. Use slightly more or less based on your preference.
Substitutions
If preferred, you can substitute the apricot preserves with another type of fruit preserves, such as raspberry, peach, or strawberry.
Storage
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Reheating
For a warm treat, briefly reheat bars in the microwave or oven before serving.
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Cook Techniques
Preparing the Crust and Crumble Mixture
To make the crust and crumble, begin by combining oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix the ingredients together until you reach a crumbly texture.
Pressing the Crust Layer
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking pan to form the crust layer. Reserve the remaining mixture for the crumble topping.
Adding the Apricot Filling
Spread the apricot preserves evenly over the crust layer. Ensure the preserves cover the entire surface for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Applying the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top of the apricot layer. Distribute the crumble evenly for a balanced texture and flavor.
Baking the Bars
Place the baking pan in the oven and bake the bars until the top is golden brown. This ensures both the crust and crumble achieve perfect consistency.
Cooling and Cutting
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps the layers set and ensures even slicing without crumbling.
FAQ
Can I use a different fruit preserve?
Yes, you can substitute the apricot preserves with other fruit preserves like raspberry, peach, or strawberry, depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats as substitutes.
What type of oats should I use?
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can work, but the outcome may be slightly different.
How do I store the leftover bars?
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually for easy thawing.
Do I need to grease the pan?
You can line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, eliminating the need to grease the pan.
Conclusion
Apricot oatmeal crumble bars are a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of apricot preserves with a textured, buttery oat crumble. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion – be it a family gathering, a sweet addition to a brunch menu, or just as a snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. These bars combine simple pantry staples into a delicious dessert that is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Switch out the apricot preserves for raspberry jam to enjoy a tart yet sweet version of this crumble bar.
Peach and Almond Crumble Bars
Combine peach preserves with slivered almonds for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Mixed Berry Crumble Bars
Use a medley of strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry preserves for a mixed berry twist on the classic recipe.
Lemon Curd Oatmeal Bars
Replace the apricot filling with tangy lemon curd for a bright and zesty dessert.
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the oatmeal mixture before baking for a decadent touch.
Coconut Pineapple Crumble Bars
Use pineapple preserves and sprinkle shredded coconut over the crumble for a tropical-inspired bar.
Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars
Combine apple pie filling with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg to create cozy fall-flavored bars.
Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
Pair cherry preserves with almond extract in your oat crumble for a delightful fruity and nutty combination.
