These Apricot Oatmeal Bars are a delightful sweet treat perfect for any occasion. With their chewy texture and sweet apricot flavor, they make an excellent addition to breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Easy to prepare, these bars are sure to impress family and friends with their homemade charm and satisfying taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious bars ready in no time.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as a breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert after dinner.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of oats and apricot preserves creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats and fruit preserves, they offer a nutritious alternative to store-bought snacks.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves or add nuts for extra crunch.
Tools and Preparation
To create these tasty Apricot Oatmeal Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or pastry cutter
- 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
- Non-stick cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients without spills.
- Fork or pastry cutter: These tools help you easily mix the butter with dry ingredients for a crumbly texture.
- Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy removal of the bars once baked.
Ingredients
These apricot oat cVanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)ble bars are a delicious sweet treat!
For the Base
- 1/2 C butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 C packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1 1/4 C rolled oats
- 3/4 C flour
For the Filling
- 1 C apricot preserves
How to Make Apricot Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The softened butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Baking soda
4. Rolled oats
5. Flour
Use a fork or pastry cutter until well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust
Measure out 2 cups of the oat mixture. Gently press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Spread the Preserves
Carefully spread the apricot preserves over the crust, stopping about 1/4 inch from the edge.
Step 5: Add Topping
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the apricot preserves evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy your delicious Apricot Oatmeal Bars!
How to Serve Apricot Oatmeal Bars
These Apricot Oatmeal Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a great snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair your bars with a side of fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for added freshness and texture.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey on top adds extra sweetness and pairs beautifully with the apricot flavor.
With Yogurt
- Serve alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt. The creaminess complements the chewy texture of the bars.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top for an added crunch and healthy fats.
How to Perfect Apricot Oatmeal Bars
Perfecting your Apricot Oatmeal Bars is all about attention to detail and following simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh apricot preserves for the best flavor. This will make your bars taste homemade and delicious.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends better with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother mixture.
- Press Firmly: Ensure you press the oat mixture firmly into the baking dish to create a sturdy base that holds up well.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps maintain their shape.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Apricot Oatmeal Bars
Serving Apricot Oatmeal Bars alongside complementary dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent pairings:
Chia Seed Pudding
A creamy pudding made from chia seeds soaked in almond milk adds nutrition and balances sweetness.Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing flavors that contrast nicely with the sweet bars.Nut Butter Spread
Almond or peanut butter spread on top gives an extra layer of richness and protein.Cheese Plate
A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well with the sweetness of apricots.Smoothie Bowl
A thick smoothie bowl topped with granola and seeds makes for a wholesome breakfast option alongside the bars.Herbal Tea
A warm cup of herbal tea complements the flavors while providing a soothing beverage option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apricot Oatmeal Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to a crumbly texture. Always use softened butter for a smooth mixture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect the taste and texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting the bars too soon may cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
- Using the wrong baking dish size: Using a dish that’s too small or too large affects cooking times. Stick to recommended sizes for even baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Apricot Oatmeal Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apricot Oatmeal Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for around 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Apricot Oatmeal Bars?
Apricot Oatmeal Bars are delicious, chewy treats made with oats and apricot preserves, perfect for snacks or desserts.
Can I use other fruit preserves?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with other fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or peach for different flavors.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Apricot Oatmeal Bars, simply use certified gluten-free oats and flour alternatives like almond or coconut flour.
Can I add nuts or seeds?
Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or almonds, or seeds such as chia or flaxseeds can enhance flavor and nutrition.
How long do these bars last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, they last up to 5 days; frozen bars can be enjoyed for up to 3 months!
Final Thoughts
These Apricot Oatmeal Bars are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with different fruits or nuts based on your preference. Enjoy making this sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Apricot Oatmeal Bars
Indulge in the delightful taste of Apricot Oatmeal Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion. These chewy bars combine wholesome oats with sweet apricot preserves, making them an ideal snack, breakfast option, or dessert. With just 10 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up this delicious recipe that is not only satisfying but also customizable to suit your taste.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup apricot preserves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour. Mix well using a fork or pastry cutter.
- Set aside 2 cups of the mixture and press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base.
- Spread apricot preserves evenly over the crust, leaving about a 1/4-inch border.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top of the preserves.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg