Ingredients
Crust and Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 cup apricot preserves
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix the crumble base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour. Use a fork and knife or a pastry cutter to blend these ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly yet holds together when pressed.
- Form the crust: Measure out 2 cups of the oat mixture and gently press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating the base layer for your bars.
- Add the apricot filling: Carefully spread the apricot preserves over the crust, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Top with remaining crumble: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the apricot layer, covering it completely to form the crumble topping.
- Bake the bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the preserves are bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve for a delicious treat.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/4 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumble mixture.
- Substitute apricot preserves with other fruit jams such as raspberry, strawberry, or peach for variety.
- Be sure to let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
