This easy apricot bars recipe is perfect for feeding hungry kids after school.  Substitute apricot preserves with any type your kids like:  strawberry, raspberry, or apple jelly.  They’re like fruit-filled granola bars, only better!   As a dessert, these apricot bars are WONDERFUL with a dish of vanilla ice cream.

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Easy Apricot Bars

1 1/2 C. oats (I used the regular, not the quick-cooking kind)
1 C. packed dark brown sugar
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 sticks salted butter
1 C. apricot preserves
Powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.  Add butter, slightly softened, cut into 1″ pieces.  Stir until well-combined, but still slightly crumbly.  Press half of the oat crumbles into a buttered 8×8 glass baking pan.  Next, spread the apricot preserves on top of the crust.  Sprinkle the rest of the oatmeal crumbles on top of the apricot preserves layer.  Pay down gently.  Bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.  If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Allow to cool before cutting.  Enjoy!

This recipe was adapted from the apricot bars recipe on The Pioneer Woman website.

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