Apricot-Cherry Bars With Oatmeal Crumble Topping

Apricot-Cherry Bars With Oatmeal Crumble Topping are delectable, bake-ahead and foolproof.

• Calories: 150 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sliced almonds
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 ½ (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 cups sweetened, flaked coconut
• 2 cups dried cherries
• 2 cups dried apricots, coarsely chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position; heat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 13-by-9-inch Pyrex baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar and salt. Stir in butter with a fork until well mixed and clumps have formed. Spread 1 1/2 packed cups of oat mixture over the bottom of the pan, pressing to form a thin crust.

Step 3

Mix coconut, almonds, cherries, apricots and milk in a large bowl. Pour over crust, using a rubber spatula to evenly distribute and press down. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over dried fruit filling.

Step 4

Bake until lightly golden, about 30 minutes. Cool to room temperature. (You can cover and store at room temperature up to 2 days.)

Step 5

To serve, cut into generous 1 1/2-inch squares.