Apricot Oat Bars Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together the sweet and chewy nostalgia of apricots with the comforting wholesomeness of oats, creating the perfect snack or dessert that reminds me of cozy childhood memories. Plus, the combination of melted butter and honey gives these bars a rich, indulgent flavor that’s impossible to resist—like giving myself a little self-care treat every time I take a bite.

These apricot oat bars are something I love to make because they are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and delicious. The main ingredients are old-fashioned rolled oats, light brown sugar (packed but not too tightly), and chopped dried apricots, all of which are great sources of fiber.

The oats and apricots provide the chew. If you want to get really wild with the recipe, add extra kinds of nuts or dried fruit, or use different kinds of nut butter or sweetener!

Ingredients

Dried Apricots:
High in fiber; inherently sugary and zesty.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats:
Rich in fiber; contributes to a robust consistency.

Light Brown Sugar:
With a hint of molasses flavor, it is sweetened.

Honey:
Sweetener derived from nature; infuses with moisture and delicate floral undertones.

Vanilla Extract:
Improves taste with heated, fragrant tones.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation, and take an 8×8-inch baking pan to line with parchment paper. If you were to use my method for lining the pan, you would place the parchment on the bottom and then fold the sides up and over, allowing the parchment to stick out a little above the edge of the baking pan. If you don’t have a method for lining a pan, I suggest this one.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the dried apricots that have been chopped and water. Simmer over a medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, and stir them every now and then, so they can join the party of liquids that are having a good time over the fire. The apricots will soften and rehydrate. And when they’re done, most (if not all) of the water will be gone. That’s the time to take the pan off the heat and let it cool.

3. In a big bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and ensure they are well combined.

4. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.

5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir until a dough forms that is not wet but crumbly.

6. Firmly press half of the oat mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a crust.

7. Evenly spread the apricot mixture over the crust layer.

8. The remaining oat mixture should be sprinkled over the apricot layer and pressed down lightly to help it stick.

9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

10. Let the bars cool fully in the pan on a wire rack. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Small saucepan
5. Medium heat source (stove)
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Medium mixing bowl
8. Whisk
9. Spoon or spatula for stirring
10. Measuring cups
11. Wire rack for cooling
12. Knife for chopping and cutting bars
13. Cutting board (for apricots)
14. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried apricots?The dried apricots are best for this recipe because they give a powerful punch of flavor and delightful texture.
• Q: Is there a substitute for honey?Substitutes for maple syrup or agave nectar could be used, but they would likely change the flavor in small but perceptible ways.
• Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?Q: Can I use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to make the bars gluten-free?
• Q: How should I store the apricot oat bars?A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than 3 days, or place in the refrigerator, where they can safely stay for up to a week.
• Q: Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?Yes, incorporating chopped nuts or seeds such as almonds or sunflower seeds can provide added crunch and nutrition.
• Q: What type of oats should I use?Using traditional rolled oats will yield the best texture and flavor in this recipe.
• Q: Can I use salted butter?A: If employing salted butter, lower the quantity of additional salt called for in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute dried cranberries or dried peaches for the dried apricots.
For a healthier alternative, use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour.
For a variation in texture, use quick oats instead of rolled oats.
Substitute light brown sugar with coconut sugar to switch up your flavor profile.
Try using maple syrup or agave nectar to attain a similar sweetness—they’re about the same equivalency and will give your dish that nice sweet profile.

Pro Tips

1. For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the apricot mixture while it simmers. This will enhance the fruity flavor with a citrusy note that complements the apricots.

2. Toast the rolled oats for a few minutes in a dry pan before adding them to the dry ingredients. This step adds a delicious nutty flavor to the crust and topping.

3. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the oat mixture. This will add a pleasant crunch and additional flavor to the bars.

4. When pressing the oat mixture into the baking pan, use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact it evenly. This ensures the bars hold together well once they are baked.

5. For even more depth of flavor, try browning the butter before mixing it with the honey and vanilla. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Then proceed with the recipe as directed.