Apricot Crunch Bars
Apricot Crunch Bars feature a buttery, crumbly oat crust layered with sweet apricot jam, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in oats and brown sugar.
- Cut in butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press 2/3 of the pastry into the bottom of a 7 x 11-inch pan.
- Combine apricot jam with lemon peel; spread over the pastry layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining pastry evenly over the jam layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes and cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumb mixture. If you don't have apricot jam, any fruit preserves such as peach or raspberry can work as a substitute. Ensure the butter is softened for easier incorporation into the dry ingredients, resulting in a better texture. For added zest, mix in some lemon or orange zest with the jam before spreading.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat that pairs beautifully with No Fail Egg Custard Pie. For a brunch gathering, consider serving alongside coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or picnics, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Apricot Crunch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crunchy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Crunch Bars contains roughly 113 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apricots instead of apricot jam?
While fresh apricots can be used, they need to be cooked down with sugar to create a similar jam-like consistency. Simply chop the apricots, cook them on the stove with some sugar until thickened, and then use this in place of the jam for a fresher taste.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just make sure to use it in the same quantity as the butter in the recipe for the right consistency.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking, which can make them dry.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).