Apricot Crumble Bars (Buttery, Fruity, and Perfectly Tangy)

Few things say “sunny orchard snack” like a tray of golden apricot crumble bars. With a buttery shortbread base, a layer of sweet-tart apricot filling, and a crispy oat topping, these bars are everything you want in a handheld fruit dessert, easy, nostalgic, and full of flavor.

At Ripe Catch, we love these bars for picnic baskets, after-dinner treats, or just a quick bite with your morning coffee. They’re a great way to use soft or slightly bruised apricots from your Ripe Catch haul and they freeze like a dream!

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🍑 What You’ll Need for Apricot Crumble Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/2 cup (45g) old-fashioned rolled oats

• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (for crunch)

For the Apricot Filling:

• 2 cups fresh apricots, pitted and chopped (about 5–6 apricots)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in oats (and chopped nuts, if using).

5. Press about 2/3 of the mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining for topping.

2. Make the Apricot Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apricots, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.

2. Cook, stirring, for 5–7 minutes until the fruit softens and thickens slightly.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the apricot filling evenly over the crust.

2. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.

3. Press down lightly with your hands to help everything stick together.

4. Bake

1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling at the edges.

2. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

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✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Apricot Bars

🥣 For the Best Crumble:

• Use very cold butter for that perfect shortbread texture.

• Don’t skip the oats, they add texture and toasty flavor.

🍑 For Juicy, Tangy Filling:

• Use ripe but slightly firm apricots to avoid a watery center.

• Taste your fruit, if extra tart, add a touch more sugar.

🔥 For Clean Slices:

• Chill the baked bars in the fridge before slicing for neat, bakery-style squares.

• Use a serrated knife for the cleanest cuts.

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🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Bars can be made up to 2 days in advance.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5.

• Freezing: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

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❤️ Why These Apricot Bars Work

These are a Ripe Corner staple because:

• They're simple and satisfying with minimal prep

• They make the most of your apricot harvest

• The balance of sweet and tart is just right

• They’re portable and freezer-friendly!

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🍽️ Try It Yourself!

Whether it’s apricot season or you’re lucky enough to have extras in the fridge, these crumble bars are a go-to recipe you’ll come back to all year long.

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Baked a batch? Tag us @RipeCatch, we’d love to see your golden bars and stone fruit treasures!