Best Apricot Cherry Bars With Oatmeal Crumble Topping Recipes

Delicious Apricot Cherry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping Recipes

If you're a fan of fruity and sweet treats, you're going to love this recipe for Apricot Cherry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping. These bars are a delicious combination of tart apricots and sweet cherries, topped with a crunchy, oatmeal crumble. They're perfect for a summer picnic, a potluck, or just as a sweet snack throughout the day. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes these bars so special, and why they're worth trying out.

The Ingredients

Before we dive into the process of making these bars, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves

The Process

Now that we have our ingredients, let's take a closer look at how to make these delicious bars.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is well distributed.
4. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of the crumble mixture and set aside. This will be used later for the topping.
5. Add the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the remaining mixture in the mixing bowl and stir together until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and use your hands or a spatula to press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure to press down firmly so the mixture sticks together.
7. Spoon the apricot and cherry jams onto the mixture and use a knife or the back of a spoon to spread the jam evenly over the mixture.
8. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the jam to create a nice, even topping.
9. Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is crisp and lightly browned.
10. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares and serving.

Why These Bars are So Delicious

What makes these Apricot Cherry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping so delicious? The answer lies in the combination of flavors and textures.

The tartness of the apricot and cherry jams is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the crumble topping. The oats in the topping give it a crunchy, hearty texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the jam and the buttery goodness of the base layer.

These bars are also incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different types of jam or preserves to create your own unique flavor combinations. You could even add some nuts or chocolate chips to the topping for an extra bit of crunch and sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Apricot Cherry Bars

If you want to make sure your Apricot Cherry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping come out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure your butter is cold when you start making the crumble mixture. This will help ensure that the crumble is light and flaky.
• When you're spreading the jam over the base layer, make sure to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. This will help ensure that each bite of the bar has a nice balance of flavors.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of jam or preserves. Raspberry, blackberry, or blueberry jam would all be great choices for this recipe.
• If you like your bars extra crispy, you can bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes. Just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Conclusion

Apricot Cherry Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping are a delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. They're easy to make, versatile, and a great way to showcase the sweetness and tartness of your favorite fruits. Whether you're planning a picnic, a party, or just want a sweet snack, these bars are sure to be a hit. So why not give them a try today?

Do you love sweet and fruity desserts? If so, apricot cherry bars with oatmeal crumble topping is the perfect treat for you. These bars are easy to make, and they are a perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of apricots, cherries, and oatmeal crumble creates a delicious and flavorful dessert that everyone will love.

Tip #1: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients

When making apricot cherry bars with oatmeal crumble topping, it is important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that your bars are flavorful and delicious. Use fresh apricots and cherries when in season or use frozen fruit when it is not in season. Make sure to also use high-quality oats, flour, butter, and sugar to make the oatmeal crumble topping.

Tip #2: Use a food processor

A food processor is an essential tool when making this recipe. It will help you quickly and easily chop the apricots and cherries into small pieces for the filling. It will also help you make the oatmeal crumble topping quickly and easily. If you do not have a food processor, you can chop the fruit and mix the oatmeal crumble topping by hand, but it will take more time and effort.

Tip #3: Use a baking dish with parchment paper

To make it easier to remove the apricot cherry bars with oatmeal crumble topping from the baking dish, use parchment paper. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the baking dish and press it firmly into place. This will prevent the bars from sticking to the bottom of the dish and make it easier to remove them.

Tip #4: Make the oatmeal crumble topping first

To save time and make the process easier, start by making the oatmeal crumble topping first. This will allow you to focus on making the filling while the crumble is baking in the oven. It is also important to make sure that the crumble is baked and crispy before adding the fruit filling.

Tip #5: Combine the fruit filling ingredients in a bowl first

Before adding the fruit filling to the baked oatmeal crumble topping, combine the fruit, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. This will ensure that the fruit is evenly coated with sugar and cornstarch, and it will prevent any lumps from forming.

Tip #6: Pour the fruit filling on top of the oatmeal crumble topping

Once the oatmeal crumble topping is baked and crispy, pour the fruit filling evenly on top. Spread the fruit filling out evenly over the oatmeal crumble topping, and use a spoon to press down any large pieces of fruit. This will help the filling stay in place and prevent it from sliding off when you cut the bars.

Tip #7: Let the bars cool completely before cutting

Before cutting the apricot cherry bars with oatmeal crumble topping, let them cool completely. This will allow the bars to set up and make it easier to cut them into even pieces. If you try to cut the bars while they are still warm, they may fall apart or become too soft.

Tip #8: Store the bars in an airtight container

To keep the apricot cherry bars with oatmeal crumble topping fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months, but make sure to thaw them before eating.

Conclusion

Apricot cherry bars with oatmeal crumble topping is a delicious and easy dessert that everyone will love. By following these valuable tips, you can create bars that are flavorful, crispy, and perfectly sweet. With fresh and high-quality ingredients, a food processor, a baking dish with parchment paper, and these helpful tips, you can make perfect apricot cherry bars with oatmeal crumble topping every time.