Heavenly Apricot Raisin Oat Bars
These Heavenly Apricot Raisin Oat Bars are a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that combine the natural sweetness of dried apricots and dark raisins with a warm hint of pumpkin pie spice. Crafted from a treasured recipe passed down for decades, these chewy yet crispy bars make for an irresistible treat—perfect for lunch boxes, after school snacks, or as a sweet companion with your favorite cup of tea. The balance of flavors, along with the wholesome oats and a hint of lemon, will transport you back to cozy baking days in the kitchen. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried apricots
1 1/4 cups (quartered)
Water
3/4 cup (none)
Dark raisins
1 1/3 cups (none)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
Pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Unsalted butter
3/4 cup (softened)
Brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
All-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (none)
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Rolled oats
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered dried apricots, water, dark raisins, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a boil and thickens, approximately 5-10 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool.
2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 13"x9" baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and rolled oats. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
5
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooled fruit filling over this base.
6
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the fruit filling and lightly press it down to form an even layer.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the center feels firm and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
8
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into 2" squares. Enjoy your delicious homemade bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Apricot Raisin Oat Bars?
They are a chewy yet crispy dessert bar made with rolled oats, dried apricots, and dark raisins, flavored with pumpkin pie spice and lemon.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking dish.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do these oat bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 22-25 minutes, or until the center is firm and the topping is golden brown.
How should the dried apricots be prepared?
The dried apricots should be quartered before being used in the filling.
What type of raisins are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for dark raisins.
How do I make the fruit filling?
Combine apricots, water, raisins, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan and cook until thickened.
How long does it take to cook the fruit filling?
It typically takes about 5-10 minutes of stirring over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens.
What kind of oats should I use?
The recipe specifies using rolled oats for the best texture.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The unsalted butter should be softened so it can be creamed with the brown sugar.
How do I layer the ingredients in the baking dish?
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom, spread the cooled fruit filling over it, and then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with butter or non-stick spray before adding the oat mixture.
Do I need to cool the bars before cutting them?
Yes, allow the dish to cool completely before cutting into 2-inch squares.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the apricot and raisin filling.
What spice gives these bars their warm flavor?
Pumpkin pie spice is used to provide a warm, aromatic flavor.
What kind of sugar is used in the oat mixture?
Packed brown sugar is used in the oat mixture, while granulated sugar is used in the fruit filling.
Does the recipe include any leavening agents?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
They are described as being chewy yet crispy.
Are these bars suitable for lunch boxes?
Yes, they are perfect for lunch boxes, school snacks, or as a companion for tea.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe suggests unsalted butter; if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt.
How much water is added to the fruit filling?
3/4 cup of water is used to cook the fruit filling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in the recipe.
What size should the bars be cut into?
The instructions recommend cutting them into 2-inch squares.
Is the fruit filling added hot or cold?
The fruit filling should be allowed to cool before spreading it over the oat base.
How do I know the bars are fully baked?
The topping should be golden brown and crisp, and the center should feel firm to the touch.
Should I press down the top layer of oats?
Yes, lightly press down the top layer of oat mixture to form an even surface.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine and cook the fruit filling ingredients in a medium saucepan.
How much rolled oats are used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats.