Easy Apricot Squares Recipe (Apricot Crumble Bars)

These apricot apricot squares recipe combine simple ingredients and seasonal flavors for an irresistibly tasty addition to any spring or summer gathering. Our apricot crumble bars doubles up as a perfect sweet treat for afternoon tea or a delicious dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Join us as we guide you through each step of this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Homemade apricot jam is one of my favorite things and I try to make a batch every year. Not only is it great slatted on toast or freshly baked scones, but having a bottle or two in the pantry can bring a drop of apricot joy even after the season has passed.  

This Easy Apricot Squares recipe is our ode to apricot season (and the perfect way to use your homemade jam). It pairs a buttery shortbread crust with the lusciousness of apricots for a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a delightful snack, these squares are a great treat that showcases the best of what apricots have to offer. Let's get into how you can bring this seasonal joy into your home with this straightforward recipe.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• More Spring Recipes
• Storage instructions 
• Easy Apricot Squares Recipe (Apricot Crumble Bars)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy To Make: This recipe calls for simple ingredients, and there's no need for special equipment. 
• Versatile: Perfect as a dessert, a snack for afternoon tea, or even a sweet brunch option.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fruit, jam, nuts or add spices to the crumble topping to suit your taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: These apricot squares freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a taste of summer even when apricot season is over.
• Seasonal Delight: Making these crumble bars allows you to make the most of the abundance of apricots, offering a delicious way to celebrate the peak of their flavor and availability.

Ingredients

• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a moist, caramel-like sweetness to the base and topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives the crumble its rich, buttery texture.
• All Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation of the crumble and base, providing structure.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract or Almond Extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Chopped or Flaked Almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the topping.
• Jar of Apricot Preserves or Homemade Apricot Jam: Brings a vibrant apricot flavor and sweetness to the filling.
• Fresh Apricots: Contribute fresh, tart notes and texture to the filling.
• Corn Flour: Helps thicken the apricot filling, ensuring it sets properly.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prep

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
• Line a 20 x 30cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, (to help lift the finished chilled bars out). Set aside.
• Wash, stone and slice apricots. 
• In a small bowl, combine the sliced apricots with the corn flour. Set aside.

Make the Base and Crumble Topping

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the light brown sugar and melted unsalted butter with a wooden spoon.
• Add the flour, a pinch of salt, and vanilla or almond extract, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
• Reserve a third of this mixture in the fridge for the topping.
• Press the rest into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, then chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Assemble and Bake

• Prick the base with a fork, then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and just set. Allow to cool slightly.
• Spread the apricot jam over the base, followed by the apricot and corn flour mixture.
• Remove the chilled dough from the fridge, crumble it over the top, and scatter with almonds.
• Return to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the apricots are soft and jammy and the crumble topping is golden

Cool and Slice

• Let the apricot crumble squares cool in the tin on a wire rack, then chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
• Lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into bars or squares.

Chef’s Tips

• Use The Best Quality Apricot Jam: opt for high-quality apricot preserves or homemade apricot jam for the richest flavor.
• Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with the sugar to achieve the perfect crumble texture.
• Even Base Pressing: Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to evenly press the base mixture into the baking dish, ensuring a uniform thickness.
• Chill the Base: Before baking, chill the pressed base in the freezer for 10 minutes to help it set and prevent it from puffing up during baking.
• Check for Doneness: The apricot crumble bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and the apricot filling is bubbling slightly. Letting them cool completely before slicing will help you get clean cuts.

Variations

This Easy Apricot Squares recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for a variety of delicious twists to suit any season or occasion. Whether you're looking to create a cozy treat for Christmas or a refreshing dessert for a summer gathering, these variations can cater to everyone's taste. Experimenting with different fruits and flavors can transform the base recipe into something uniquely delightful, making the most of homemade jams or seasonal produce.

• Raspberry and Coconut: Swap apricot jam for raspberry jam and add shredded coconut instead of the almonds to the crumble topping for a tangy, tropical twist.
• Apple Pie: Use spiced apple compote in place of apricots and add a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a dessert that tastes like classic apple pie.
• Blueberry and Lemon: Combine blueberry jam with fresh blueberries and a zest of lemon in the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Peach and Vanilla: Substitute apricots with slices of fresh peaches and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling for a great summer treat.
• Pear and Ginger: Use pear slices and a tablespoon of finely grated ginger in your filling for a warmly spiced, comforting option.
• Fruit Mince Meat: Perfect for Christmas time, replace the apricot layer with homemade or store-bought fruit mince meat for a festive variation.

More Spring Recipes

Storage instructions 

Storing your Apricot Squares properly ensures they remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you prefer to keep them at room temperature, refrigerate, or freeze for later enjoyment, here’s how to maintain their best quality:

Room Temperature

• Store the apricot squares in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.

Fridge

• For a slightly longer shelf life, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3-5 days.

Freezer

To extend their lifespan significantly, apricot squares can be frozen for up to 3 months. 

• Individual Squares: Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place wrapped squares in a Ziplock freezer bag. Or store apricot bars in an airtight container, with parchment paper separating the layers. Label with the date.
• Whole Slab: Cool the slab completely. Wrap in parchment paper, then in a double layer of foil. Store in a Ziplock freezer bag, labeled and dated.

Defrosting

• Thaw apricot crumb bars at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

In creating these Apricot Squares, we've shared not just a recipe but a slice of our culinary passion. This sweet treat, perfect alongside a cup of coffee, embodies the simplicity and joy of home baking. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, we hope this apricot bars recipe inspires you to celebrate the flavors of each season with those you love.

Don't forget to share your baking adventures with us! We're excited to see how your apricot squares turn out and hear about the variations you've explored. 

Happy baking!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.