Pioneer Woman Apricot Bars

These Pioneer Woman apricot bars are made with oats, brown sugar, butter, and a full jar of apricot preserves between a crumbly base and topping. Seven ingredients, one bowl, no mixer, no eggs. Press half the crumble into the pan, spread the preserves, scatter the rest on top, and bake for about 35 minutes. Golden, tangy, and buttery in every bite.

The same mixture serves as both the base and the topping. Press one half firmly into the pan so it holds together when sliced. Spread the preserves edge to edge so every bite has fruit. Then scatter the second half over the top but only pat it gently. That lighter touch keeps the topping crumbly and crisp instead of dense.

Let the bars cool completely before cutting. If you slice early the preserves are still liquid and everything slides apart. Use the full jar of preserves and don’t hold back, that layer shrinks as it bakes. Stick with an 8-inch pan because going bigger gives you thin, dry bars that lose the soft middle.

Pioneer Woman Apricot Bars

Author: Hamdi Saidani Cooking Method:Baking Cuisine:American Courses:Brownies & Bars Pioneer Woman Desserts Recipes

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 30 minutesTotal time: 35 minutesServings:24 servingsCalories: kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Buttery Pioneer Woman apricot bars with oats, brown sugar, and a tangy preserves layer. Seven ingredients, one bowl, no mixer needed. Golden, crumbly, and ready in 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 1/2 cups oats
  
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces
  
• 1 jar (10-12 oz) apricot preserves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.
   
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Work the butter into the mixture until everything is combined and crumbly.
   
3. Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
   
4. Spread the entire jar of apricot preserves evenly over the base layer.
   
5. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the preserves and pat it down lightly.
   
6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is light golden brown.
   
7. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of preserves instead of apricot?

Yes. Raspberry, peach, and strawberry all work well. Stick with preserves rather than jelly because the fruit pieces add texture and hold up better during baking.

What other Pioneer Woman bar recipes should I try?

If you love these apricot bars, Ree Drummond has a whole lineup worth trying. Her Lemon Bars Recipe have a buttery shortbread base with a tangy citrus filling, and her strawberry rhubarb bars use a similar oat crumble with a fruity twist. For something richer, her Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars are a fall favorite with cream cheese frosting on top.

Can I double this recipe and use a bigger pan?

Yes. Double everything and use a 9×13 inch pan. The bake time stays roughly the same, just watch for the top to turn golden and add a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

You can, but old-fashioned oats give a better chew and crunch. Quick oats make the bars softer and more compact, which changes the texture quite a bit.

Can I add nuts to these apricot bars?

Chopped almonds or walnuts work really well mixed into the crumble. About 1/3 cup is enough to add crunch without overpowering the fruit. Pecans are another good option if you want something a little sweeter.