Apricot Almond Bars

Apricot Almond Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the tangy sweetness of apricots with the nutty richness of almonds in a buttery, crumbly bar. These bars feature a soft, jammy apricot filling layered over a buttery almond crust, topped with crunchy sliced almonds for texture. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even served at brunch, these bars offer a satisfying balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a slight tartness from the apricots. They are simple to make yet taste like an indulgent, bakery-quality treat.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 tsp almond extract

For the filling:

• 3/4 cup apricot preserves or jam
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the almond extract. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the filling: Spread the apricot preserves evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of sliced almonds.
4. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the apricot layer and scatter the remaining sliced almonds on top.
5. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or bars.

These Apricot Almond Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty, offering a deliciously satisfying bite with each piece, ideal for any occasion.