Apricot Jam Bars Recipe with Buttery Crust Everyone Loves

Benefits and Advantages of apricot jam bars

Apricot jam bars offer a delicious and convenient option for a quick snack or dessert. Their simple preparation requires minimal baking skills and everyday ingredients, making them perfect for both beginners and busy individuals. These bars taste wonderfully rich and buttery with the natural fruit sweetness and slight tartness of apricot jam, creating a balanced flavor profile that satisfies cravings.

Apricots bring nutritional benefits, including vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which contribute to overall health. The natural sweetness of apricot jam allows reducing added sugars, making these bars a comparatively healthier alternative to many sugary snacks. Moreover, apricot jam bars are customizable to different dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie options, making them suitable for a wide audience. Whether served as a breakfast item, dessert, or on-the-go snack, their ease, taste, and nutrition combine for a winning treat.

These apricot jam bars stand out as a wholesome, flavorful, and versatile recipe that everyone can enjoy.

Essential Ingredients for apricot jam bars

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups (355g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (65g) additional all-purpose flour (divided)
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (340g) apricot jam or preserves (or other fruit jam)
Optional mix-ins: 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, ½ cup chopped walnuts or rolled oats
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Butter and sugar create a tender and rich dough base, while flour and baking powder provide structure. The apricot jam adds naturally sweet, fruity flavor, and optional mix-ins add texture and depth. These ingredients work together for a bar with a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your apricot jam bars

Apricot jam bars can be conveniently modified for various dietary needs. Use almond flour or certified gluten-free oat flour in place of all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free. For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and replace eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers.

To reduce calories or sugar, swap granulated sugar with stevia, erythritol, or another low-calorie sweetener. Nut allergies can be accommodated by omitting walnuts and using oat or rice flour instead of almond flour. Choosing apricot jam without added sugars or making homemade jam can lower sugar content, keeping the bars healthier without sacrificing flavor. These substitutions maintain the core deliciousness of apricot jam bars while catering to a wide range of preferences and restrictions.

How to Prepare the Perfect apricot jam bars: Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat and prepare: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Mix eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together 2 ¾ cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
Mix dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until dough is sticky and no flour remains.
Divide dough: Separate dough into two parts: approximately two-thirds for the base and one-third for topping.
Press base: Evenly press the larger portion into the prepared baking dish, avoiding the edges.
Spread jam: Cover the base evenly with about 1 cup of apricot jam or preserves.
Prepare crumb topping: Add the reserved ½ cup flour to the smaller dough portion and mix until crumbly. Fold in optional shredded coconut, walnuts, or oats. If topping is too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons more flour.
Top the bars: Crumble the topping evenly over the jam layer.
Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, until topping is light golden brown and edges are deep golden.
Cool and serve: Cool bars completely on a wire rack before lifting and cutting into about 12 squares. Optionally dust with powdered sugar.

Letting the bars cool thoroughly before slicing ensures clean cuts without crumbling.

For more helpful baking tips, check out Tips for Baking Crumb Bars and for making your own preserves at home, visit How to Make Jam and Preserves at Home.

Advanced Tips and Variations

For enhanced flavor, toast the rolled oats lightly before combining with other ingredients, which adds a nutty depth to the apricot jam bars. Incorporating chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts provides extra crunch and nutrients but can be omitted for nut-free versions. Experimenting with additional spices such as cinnamon or ginger can elevate the taste, complementing the apricot’s natural sweetness.

Another variation includes layering the bars with other jam flavors like raspberry or strawberry for a mixed fruit experience. For a richer texture, add a handful of shredded coconut or mix in protein powder for a post-workout snack. These variations allow the apricot jam bars recipe to be tailored to personal tastes and dietary goals while keeping the core benefits intact.

How to Store apricot jam bars: Best Practices

To preserve the freshness of apricot jam bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For extended storage, refrigerate the bars, where they will keep well for up to one week. When freezing, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, thaw frozen bars at room temperature and warm them slightly in the oven or microwave to restore their softness and flavor. Proper storage ensures that the apricot jam bars maintain their texture and taste, allowing you to enjoy them conveniently over time.

Nutritional Value of apricot jam bars

Apricot jam bars provide a balanced source of energy, primarily from carbohydrates in oats and apricots, along with moderate amounts of fats and proteins depending on ingredient choices. A typical serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, with about 5 grams of fat primarily from butter or coconut oil, and 3-4 grams of protein, mostly from oats and any added nuts or flours.

The bars are rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, and contain vitamins A and C derived from apricots. Sugar content varies depending on the type and amount of sweetener used, allowing for a healthier profile when reduced or replaced with alternatives. Incorporating gluten-free and vegan ingredients can alter the macronutrient balance slightly but maintain overall nutritional benefits, making apricot jam bars a wholesome snack for various dietary needs.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About apricot jam bars

How can I keep apricot jam bars soft and chewy?

To achieve soft and chewy apricot jam bars, increase the butter amount compared to standard recipes—using about double helps. The extra butter adds moisture and richness, preventing the bars from becoming dry or crumbly. Baking at the right temperature, around 350°F, and not overbaking also helps maintain that texture.

Can I replace apricot jam with other fruit jams in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute apricot jam with other fruit jams like raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry. Each will give the bars a different flavor, but the baking time and method remain the same. Choose a jam with a medium thickness for best results to prevent sogginess.

What’s the best way to make the crumb topping for apricot jam bars?

To create a crumbly topping, add extra flour—typically one to two tablespoons—to the portion of dough reserved for the topping. This makes it easier to crumble by hand over the jam layer. Make sure to spread the crumbs evenly and avoid pressing them down to keep the texture light.

How should I store apricot jam bars to keep them fresh?

Store apricot jam bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Why do my apricot jam bars break apart when I cut them?

Bars often break if cut while warm because the filling and crumb topping haven’t set. To avoid this, chill the bars in the refrigerator for one to two hours before cutting. This firms up the jam and crumb layers, giving cleaner slices and preventing crumbling.

Apricot Jam Bars with Buttery Crust: Easy Dessert Recipe Everyone Will Love

Author: Valentina Lewis
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

🍑 Indulge in these luscious apricot jam bars, offering a perfect balance of buttery crust and fruity goodness.
🧡 A quick and easy dessert, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion and loved by all!

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (5-7 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 and 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the dough is sticky.
6. Divide the dough: use 2/3 for the base crust, and 1/3 for topping.
7. Press the larger portion evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Spread apricot jam evenly over the crust.
9. Add 1/2 cup additional flour to the smaller dough portion, mix until crumbly, and fold in toppings if using.
10. Crumble the topping evenly over the jam layer.
11. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the top is light golden brown.
12. Cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into 12 bars.
13. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Notes

🛑 Doubling butter enhances texture—consider experimenting with this!
🍯 Use any fruit preserves to customize flavor.
🌿 Handle topping with lightly floured fingers to prevent sticking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30-40 minutes
Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Apricot, Jam Bars, Buttery Crust, Easy Dessert