If you’re craving a healthy dessert that’s full of natural sweetness and crunchy texture, these Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars are exactly what you need. Whether you’re using fresh, dried, or canned apricots, this recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a delightful snack, dessert, or breakfast bar. It’s quick, customizable, and a favorite for all ages
👜 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apricot Filling:
- 2 cups fresh apricots (pitted & chopped) or 1 1/2 cups dried apricots (soaked & chopped)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Oatmeal Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
👩🍳 How to Make Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Step 2: Make the Apricot Filling
In a saucepan, add apricots, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens (5-7 minutes). Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mix becomes crumbly.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the apricot filling over the base evenly.
- Top with the remaining crumble.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let bars cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set for perfect square cuts.
💪 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fiber and vitamins
- Naturally sweet and buttery
- Great for snacks, parties, or meal prep
- Can be made vegan or gluten-free
🧵 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle with caramel or honey
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee
🪫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip cooling the bars before cutting
- Avoid overbaking (watch the crumble topping!)
- Ensure the apricot filling is thick before layering
🛋️ Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat in microwave for 10–15 seconds or in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
❓ FAQs
Can I use apricot jam instead of fresh fruit? Yes, just use about 3/4 cup of jam and skip the cooking step.
Can I make this gluten-free? Use a certified gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make this vegan? Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
📊 Nutrition Info (Per Bar)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
🛍️ Grocery Checklist
- Apricots (fresh/dried/canned)
- Sugar & brown sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Oats
- Flour
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Butter
📝 Final Thoughts
These Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a satisfying blend of chewy, crumbly, and fruity. Whether served warm with ice cream or packed for a quick snack, they’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and loved by kids and adults alike. Give this wholesome dessert a try and enjoy a touch of sweetness in every bite!
