Apricot Oatmeal Bars

Apricot Oatmeal bars are the perfect mix of a sweet and tart baked delight. With a chewy and crumbly texture, this naturally sweet dessert has wonderful flavour. Although apricots are a summer fruit, you’re going to want to enjoy this treat year-round.

2 cups oats, quick or old fashioned, uncooked
2 cups ground almonds or pecans, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
½ tsp. sea salt
1½ cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
1½ cups + 1 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar, divided
4 egg yolks or 2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ tsp. pure almond extract
1 (18 oz) jar apricot preserves (~ 1½ cups)
1 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. orange-flavoured liqueur (optional)

Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a 9x13" baking pan.

In medium bowl, combine oats, 1½ cups ground almonds, flour and salt; mix well. Set aside.

In large bowl, beat butter and 1½ cups confectioners' sugar until creamy.

Add egg yolks, vanilla and almond extract; beat well.

Stir in oat mixture; mix well.

Reserve 1⅓ cups; put in small bowl and set aside.

Spread remaining oat mixture on bottom of prepared pan.

Bake 13-15 minutes or until light golden brown.

Cool 10 minutes on wire rack.

In small bowl, combine preserves, apricots and liqueur; mix well.

Spread evenly over partially baked crust.

Add remaining ½ cup ground almonds to reserved oat mixture; mix well.

Drop by ¼ teaspoonfuls evenly over apricot mixture.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until light golden brown.

Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar.

Cut into bars.

Store tightly covered.