Hard to believe that the end of summer is only days away! I adore summer the most due to my love for the juicy and sweet summer fruits and the delightful desserts made with them. Fruit crumb bars, galettes and pies! Apricot bars are one of the easiest summer desserts you can make. Delicious apricot crumble bars full of sweet apricot filling with a buttery crust and crumble topping!
About This Recipe
Apricot crumble bars are delicious summer baked treats consisting of layers of a buttery crumble mixture with a sweet and apricot filling in between. They are typically made by spreading a layer of buttery crumble mixture at the bottom of a baking dish, topping it with a layer of apricot filling, and then sprinkling more crumble mixture on top before baking until golden brown and crisp. Once cooled, slice them into squares to serve easily.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: These apricot crumble bars are easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect seasonal dessert: You can make crumble bars with any summer fruit you like. After one bite, you will fall in love with these fruity treats. Full of sweet apricot filling with a buttery crust and crumble topping!
- Versatile and customizable: These crumble bars are easily customizable according to what’s in season.
What You Need To Make Apricot Crumble Bars
- Flour: Plain all-purpose flour works best for these crumble bars.
- Sugar: You can use white granulated sugar or brown sugar instead or a mix of both.
- Apricots: Pit and quarter the apricots. Place them in a large bowl, and toss them with lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Lemon juice: The acidity in lemon juice can enhance the natural flavors and balance out the sweetness of the crumble bar filling.
- Cold butter: The butter makes the crust and topping flaky and crisp.
- Egg: The egg softens the dough and enriches the flavor.
- Salt: Add salt to balance the sweetness.
- Baking powder: The baking powder helps the crust and topping to puff and brown.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a great thickener for fruity crumble bar fillings.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F 190°C.
- Cube cold butter into small pieces.
- In a food processor, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and cold butter cubes. Process until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make the crust using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly consistency.
- Cut apricots into small pieces. In another large bowl combine apricots with 1/3 cup of sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix to coat with sugar and cornstarch.
- Grease an 8×8″ baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour in 2/3rds of the crumb mixture and press into the bottom using a spoon or your hands.
- Spread the apricots over the crust. Sprinkle the apricots with the crumb topping.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Expert Tips
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make the crust using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly consistency.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan to create a perfect crust for your crumble bars.
- Make sure not to overbake the crumble bars, as it can lead to a dry texture.
- Allow your crumble bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares to prevent them from falling apart.
Variations
- Apricot Raspberry Crumble Bars: Add fresh raspberries to the apricot filling for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Spiced Apricot Crumble Bars: Add warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom into the crumble topping for a cozy flavor.
- Apricot Almond Crumble Bars: Add almond extract or sliced almonds to the crumble topping for a nutty flavor.
FAQs
Can I Make Apricot Crumble Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make apricot crumble bars ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can I Use a Different Fruit Instead of Apricots in the Crumble Bars?
Yes, you can substitute apricots with other fruits like peaches, apples, berries, or even a combination of fruits.
Did you like the apricot crumble bars recipe? Try my apricot jam recipe as well! Leave your comment below and If you make this recipe, be sure to tag your photos #yummynotes 
Looking for More Crumble Bar Recipes
Ingredients
- FOR CRUST AND TOPPING:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 160g butter, cold
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- FOR THE FILLING:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cups fresh apricots, diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F 190°C. Cube cold butter into small pieces.
Step 2
In a food processor, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and 1/2 cup sugar.
Step 3
Add egg, vanilla extract, and cold butter cubes. Process until fine crumbs form. If you don't have a food processor, you can still make the crust using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly consistency.
Step 4
Cut apricots into small pieces. In another large bowl combine apricots with 1/3 cup of sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix to coat with sugar and cornstarch.
Step 5
Grease an 8×8″ baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. Pour in 2/3rds of the crumb mixture and press into the bottom using a spoon or your hands.
Step 6
Spread the apricots over the crust. Sprinkle the apricots with the crumb topping. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
