Serve these delicious Apricot Oatmeal Bars at your next gathering! These bars are an excellent choice for breakfast, snack, or dessert any time of year.
Apricot Oatmeal Bars: A Simple Treat with Southern Charm
If you’re looking for a simple homemade dessert that brings comfort, flavor, and a little old-fashioned charm to the table, these apricot oatmeal bars are the answer.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a church potluck, packing a sweet treat in the kids’ lunchboxes, or just want something to enjoy with your morning coffee, this is one of those easy fruit bar recipes with oats that checks all the boxes.
These apricot jam bars remind me of something you’d find cooling on grandma’s kitchen counter.
There’s something about the mix of buttery oat crumble and sweet, tangy jam that just feels like home.
They’re not overly fancy or fussy—just a solid, dependable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Who These Bars Are For
These easy apricot oatmeal bars are perfect for busy folks who want to throw together a quick dessert without pulling out every mixing bowl in the kitchen.
They’re great for parents who want a not-too-sugary snack for the kids, or anyone looking for a bake sale hit that stands out from the usual cookies and brownies.
They also work well for folks who like to make ahead and freeze their baked goods—these bars freeze like a charm.
When to Make Them
These old fashioned jam bar desserts are perfect any time of year, but they really shine in the spring and summer when lighter fruit-based desserts are more popular.
They’re also great during the holidays when you need something sweet on the dessert table that isn’t pie or cake.
Basically, if you need a make-ahead treat for a picnic, potluck, or Sunday supper, you’re in the right place.
What They’re Good For
These bars aren’t just tasty—they’re versatile. This is the kind of recipe that pulls double duty.
Serve them as a sweet afternoon snack with a cold glass of milk, or slice them into smaller squares and add them to a dessert tray alongside cookies and candies.
They’re also one of the best oatmeal jam bars for lunchboxes since they hold up well and aren’t overly messy.
Where to Serve ‘Em
Take a pan of these easy apricot oatmeal bars for potluck gatherings, school events, or family reunions.
They don’t need refrigeration, which makes them a great option when you’re baking ahead and traveling.
Set out a platter at a backyard BBQ or wrap a few up for a neighbor—this is one of those desserts that just makes folks feel welcome.
How to Get Creative with This Recipe
Here’s the fun part—this recipe can be changed up in all kinds of ways depending on what you’ve got in the pantry.
Try using raspberry, fig, or peach preserves if apricot isn’t your thing. Want to make these bars more breakfast-friendly?
Swap out half the flour for whole wheat and toss in a handful of chopped nuts.
Looking for a gluten-free dessert bar recipe? Just use a good gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
You can also cut them into small bites and drizzle with a glaze or powdered sugar for more of a “tea time” feel.
Or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a down-home dessert that feels a little more special.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just need a quick and easy dessert to keep on hand, these apricot oatmeal bars are a dependable go-to.
They’re the kind of treat that doesn’t need to shout to be good—and that’s exactly what makes them a classic.
Let me know in the comments if you try a different jam combo or make them gluten-free—I love seeing how y’all make these recipes your own!
Apricot Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients:
- ½ cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup flour or gluten free flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup apricot jam
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 and line 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper.
Combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and oats.
Stir or use hands to incorporate butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Press 2 cups into bottom of baking dish.
Next, evenly spread jam to ¼ inch from edge.
Sprinkle on remaining crumb mixture and lightly press into jam.
Bake 30-40 minutes until light brown.
Cool, cut into bars and serve.
Apricot Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup flour or gluten free flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup apricot jam
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 and line 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper.
Combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and oats.
Stir or use hands to incorporate butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Press 2 cups into bottom of baking dish.
Next, evenly spread jam to ¼ inch from edge.
Sprinkle on remaining crumb mixture and lightly press into jam.
Bake 30-40 minutes until light brown.
Cool, cut into bars and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions – Apricot Oatmeal Bars
1. Can I use a different kind of jam?
Yes! While apricot jam gives these bars a sweet and slightly tart flavor, you can substitute it with peach, raspberry, strawberry, or even fig jam depending on your preference.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
3. Do I have to use light brown sugar?
No, you can substitute coconut sugar or even white granulated sugar. Brown sugar gives a richer, deeper flavor, but other sugars will still work.
4. What kind of oats should I use?
Rolled oats are best for this recipe. Avoid instant or steel-cut oats, as they won’t provide the same texture.
5. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil (use refined if you want to avoid a coconut flavor).
6. How do I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and watch the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
8. The topping didn’t get very brown. What should I do?
Oven temperatures vary. Try baking for an extra 5 minutes, or you can briefly broil the top (watch it closely!) for 1–2 minutes to add a golden finish.
9. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
They don’t need to be, but refrigerating them helps them hold their shape better, especially in warmer climates.
10. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the texture may be softer and less crumbly than with rolled oats.
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