Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced dessert that's not just delicious, but also gluten-free and incredibly easy to make. These Apricot Crumble Bars are the ultimate treat that combines the sweet, tangy burst of apricot preserves with a buttery, crumbly oat and almond flour base. Whether you're following a gluten-free diet or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that takes minimal effort, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apricot preserves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten free oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and starts to hold together when pressed.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- Spread apricot preserves evenly over the crumb base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apricot preserves, creating a loose, crumbly topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This will help the bars set and make cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use high-quality gluten-free oats to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure your butter is completely melted but not scorching hot when mixing with dry ingredients.
- Press the bottom crust firmly and evenly to create a stable base for your bars.
- Leave a small border when spreading preserves to prevent burning and sticking.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat edges.
- For extra richness, you can toast the oats and almond flour briefly before mixing for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry or peach for variety.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
