An apricot oatmeal crumb bar made with apricot preserves and sprinkled with coconut.

Apricot Oatmeal Bars

Crumb Mixture:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 

Filling:

1 (10-ounce) jar apricot preserves

1/2 cup flaked coconut

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Set aside.
2. For crumb mixture, in large mixing bowl combine all crumb mixture ingredients. With an electric mixer, beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture is crumbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture; press remaining crumb mixture into prepared baking pan.
3. For filling, spread apricot preserves to within 1/2-inch from edge of crumb mixture; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture and coconut.
4. Bake for 22 to 27 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes about 3 dozen bars.