If Spring were a dessert, it would be these bars. Fruity, crunchy, and simple, they will grace your dessert table at the next gathering. I love that the mixing is minimal. The hardest part it the waiting for them to cool!
![](https://midwestmash.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Apricot-Jam-Bars-1-Logo-917x1024.jpg)
You know those cherry crumble bars that are always on the table at potlucks? Well, this is my version of those – sub in a tangy apricot jam and a crunchy streusel topping for the ultimate bite sized dessert. I love apricot jam. It’s not too sweet, and I think the orange color brightens up anything it is used in. Plus if my kids eat one of these and get some on themselves, it won’t stain their shirts like a red or purple jam would – win!
These bars are really simple to make. There are three layers, but one of those layers is apricot jam from a jar so all you need to do is pull a spatula from your drawer. One of my good friends has a son who is allergic to eggs, and this is the perfect dessert for them because guess what – no eggs! So if you have any friends in need of egg free desserts, add this one to your list. It can also be nut free if you omit the pecans from the topping.
![](https://midwestmash.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Apricot-Jam-Bars-Instructions-Logo-768x1024.png)
Now, if apricots aren’t your jam (see what I did there), you can absolutely sub it with your favorite flavor, but I would highly recommend giving it a try with the apricot first. Make sure whatever you choose to use is a preserve or no sugar added jam because the crust and topping are enough sugar already so you don’t want any extra in your fruity layer.
![](https://midwestmash.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Apricot-Jam-Bars-Final-512x1024.png)
![Apricot Jam Bars 2 Logo](https://midwestmash.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Apricot-Jam-Bars-2-Logo-600x465.jpg)
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 40 minutes |
Passive Time | 40 minutes |
Servings |
bars
|
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup butter chilled and cubed
Ingredients
Crust
Filling
Topping
|
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- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8x8" baking pan by lining with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the crust ingredients - sugar, flour, melted butter, and vanilla. It will still be moderately crumbly. Press it into the prepared baking pan and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down into an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the crust is cooking, prepare your topping by mixing together the oats, brown sugar, flour, and pecans in a bowl. Cut in the cubed butter with a pastry blender or the back of a fork until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is well distributed.
- Remove the crust from the oven and immediately spread the apricot preserves on top.
- Sprinkle on the topping you prepared. It will appear to be a very thick layer, but it will cook down as the butter melts. Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the toppings just starts to brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before removing from the pan and cutting.
You can substitute any type of preserves or low sugar jam.
If you have a nut allergy, just omit the pecans from the topping.
Sounds yummy and simple. Can’t wait to try.