Indulge your taste buds with the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors in these Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars! Perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying dessert, these bars are not only easy to make but also a healthy treat that will leave you craving more. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, you can whip up a batch in no time. Ready to impress your family and friends with this scrumptious American classic? Let's dive into the recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- ½ cup honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Pour melted butter and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- In a separate saucepan, combine chopped dried apricots and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apricots soften and mixture becomes slightly syrupy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Spread the warm apricot mixture evenly over the oat base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat crumble mixture over the apricot layer, creating a textured topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Use parchment paper to lift and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 even bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality dried apricots and pure vanilla extract. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste!
- Customize Your Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar according to your taste.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger to the oat mixture for an extra layer of flavor that complements the apricots beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner, neater slices.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch for later enjoyment!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
