Apricot Bars

There’s something so comforting about the combination of oats, almonds, and apricots. These apricot bars bring all those flavors together in the most delicious way! The buttery oat crust doubles as a crumbly topping, sandwiching a thick layer of sweet-tart apricot preserves. With their soft, chewy texture and crisp, golden edges, these bars are perfect for everything from afternoon snacking to dessert platters.

Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make—no special equipment needed! Just mix, layer, and bake for a treat that’s simple yet packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Apricot Bars Recipe

• One dough, two jobs! The same mixture creates both the crust and the crumbly topping.
• A perfect balance of flavors. Buttery oats, nutty almonds, and fruity apricot preserves shine in every bite.
• No fuss, no mixer. Just mix everything together and press into the pan!
• Great for make-ahead baking. These bars keep well and taste even better the next day.

Key Ingredients

A few simple ingredients make these bars extra special:

• Apricot preserves – Thick, fruity, and slightly tart, they add all the flavor! Use a good-quality preserve for the best results.
• Almond meal – Brings a subtle nuttiness and makes the bars extra tender. Almond flour or finely ground almonds work, too.
• Oats – Rolled oats give the bars structure and chewiness. Quick oats won’t give the same texture.
• Almond extract – A little goes a long way in enhancing the apricot and almond flavors.
• Butter – Cold, cubed butter creates the perfect crisp, crumbly texture.

How to Make Apricot Bars

• Prepare for baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9″x 13″ baking pan.
• Make the crust and topping. In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, sugar, almond meal, salt, and almond extract. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture forms loose crumbs. It should hold together when pinched.

• Assemble the bars. Set aside about 1 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Spread the apricot preserves over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top. Finish with the sliced almonds and gently press them down.
• Bake and cool. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• Drizzle with a light glaze for extra sweetness.

Variations

• Swap the preserves. Try raspberry, peach, or cherry preserves for a fun twist.
• Make them gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• Add coconut. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded coconut over the topping for extra texture.

Make-Ahead and Storing

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for a slightly firmer texture and longer shelf life (up to 1 week).
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.
• These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• For extra freshness, store them in layers with parchment paper between them.
• If freezing, consider cutting them into individual portions before storing for easy grab-and-go treats.