Apricot Crumble Bars

Apricot Crumble Bars are like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine biting into a buttery, crumbly crust that gives way to a sweet and tart apricot layer, all topped off with a delightful crunch. Whether you’re chilling on the couch or hosting friends, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They remind me of sunny days and sweet gatherings, where the dessert table is filled with homemade treats.

Now, let’s be real—baking can sometimes feel daunting. But fear not! Making Apricot Crumble Bars is as easy as pie, or rather, easier! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious treat that’s bound to impress. So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s create a dessert that not only tastes fantastic but also fills the air with the sweet scent of baking. Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it uses a blend of all-purpose and almond flour. This combination gives the crust and topping a unique texture. The almond flour adds a nutty flavor, making each bite exciting. When you layer sweet apricot jam with a crumbly streusel topping, it creates a flavor balance that’s simply irresistible. Not to forget, the oats sprinkled throughout add a delightful crunch, making these bars hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Apricot Crumble Bars

You’ll fall in love with these Apricot Crumble Bars because they’re perfectly sweet yet tangy, hitting all the right notes for a delicious dessert. They’re super easy to prepare, making them great whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker. Plus, these bars are versatile enough to shine at family gatherings, picnic outings, or cozy nights in with a good book. Each bite brings warmth and joy, truly making them a treat for all occasions.

Ingredients for Apricot Crumble Bars

Gather the following ingredients to whip up your delicious Apricot Crumble Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (or replace with additional all-purpose flour)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 18 tablespoons unsalted butter (2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons), softened
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds (toasted preferred)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup apricot jam
• 4 ounces dried apricots, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or orange juice)

Prepare the Base Crust

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F. This helps get your bars golden brown and delicious. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or foil, and give it a light spray with non-stick spray. This way, your bars will come out easily.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, it’s time to whisk together the flours, sugar, and salt. So, grab 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup almond flour, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mixing them well ensures every bite is flavorful.

Mix in Butter

Next, we’ll mix in the butter. Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the softened butter into the flour mixture on low speed until it resembles wet sand. If you prefer a hands-on approach, feel free to mix by hand. Use your fingers to incorporate the butter thoroughly.

Form Base Layer

Remove 1 cup of this mixture for later use. Now, press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges start to brown lightly. It’s the first step towards deliciousness!

Create the Streusel Topping

Combine Additional Ingredients

While your crust is baking away, let’s whip up the streusel topping! In a medium bowl, combine the reserved flour mixture along with the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and light brown sugar. Stir until it’s all incorporated and ready to add that yummy crunch.

Form Streusel Clumps

Now, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to this oat mixture. Pinch it all together to form clumps. The clumps create that wonderful texture that’ll make your bars extra special. Set this aside for later.

Prepare the Apricot Layer

Mix Apricot Filling

In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of apricot jam, 4 ounces of diced dried apricots, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir it all together until well combined. The sweet and tangy aroma will have you dreaming of summertime!

Assemble and Bake

Layer Ingredients

Once the crust is baked, it’s time to layer! Spread the apricot mixture evenly over the warm base. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the jam layer. This topping is where the magic happens.

Bake for Final Cooking

Pop the assembled crumble bars back into the oven to bake for about 30 minutes. You want to watch for a golden-brown top and those edges of the apricot mixture bubbling. Deliciousness is on its way!

Cool and Serve

Let Cool

Now comes the hardest part—waiting! Allow the bars to cool completely or until slightly warm, which usually takes about 2 hours. Once they’re cool, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan and cut them into delightful pieces.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, consider pairing these Apricot Crumble Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. If you want a refreshing touch, fresh fruit goes beautifully with the flavors too.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is soft enough. This makes mixing easier and helps achieve the right texture.
• For an even better texture distribution in the topping, finely chop your almonds.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can easily swap apricot jam for other fruit jams like peach or raspberry if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, adding warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mix can kick up the flavor even more.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. They’ll still taste amazing!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh apricots instead of jam?
Absolutely! Just cook the fresh apricots down with some sugar to create a nice filling.

2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.

3. Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes! Make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

4. Can I freeze the crumble bars?
Definitely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.

5. What should I serve these with?
They pair wonderfully with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tasty treat.

With every bite of these Apricot Crumble Bars, you’ll savor the perfect sweet and crunchy blend, making them a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, these bars will surely bring joy and happiness to your table. So, gather your ingredients and bake a batch of love today!

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