Apricot Almond Bars

These Apricot Almond Bars combine the sweet, tangy flavor of dried apricots with the nutty richness of almonds, creating a delightful treat. The chewy texture of the bars is balanced with a buttery oat crust, making them a perfect snack or dessert. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
3. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
4. In another bowl, combine the chopped dried apricots, sliced almonds, honey, and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed.
5. Spread the apricot mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
6. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the apricot layer, pressing it down gently.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.