Description
These Apricot Almond Crumble Bars feature a buttery oat-based crust layered with sweet, spiced apricot filling and topped with a crunchy almond crumble. Perfect for a delightful snack or dessert, they combine the natural sweetness of fresh apricots with the warm flavors of cinnamon and almond extract, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup almond slices (for the topping)
Filling
- 5-6 small apricots (~1 1/4 pounds), diced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend above the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract and stir until the mixture holds together in a pebble-like crumb.
- Par-bake crust: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
- Prepare crumble topping: Add the almond slices to the remaining one-third of the oat mixture, gently maintaining the crumble texture. Place this mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make apricot filling: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apricots with granulated sugar, cinnamon, corn starch, and almond extract until the apricots are completely coated with the mixture.
- Assemble bars: Spread the apricot filling evenly over the par-baked crust. Then sprinkle the chilled almond crumble topping evenly over the apricots.
- Bake until bubbly: Return the assembled baking dish to the oven and bake for 38-42 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely to set before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars and serve.
Notes
- Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures the filling sets properly for clean slices.
- You can substitute fresh apricots with frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before use.
- For a nut-free version, omit almond extract and almond slices or substitute with seeds.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
