Fruit Bars

These delightful fruit bars are sweet, chewy, and bursting with fruity flavor. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and oh-so-enjoyable—perfect for any gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup fruit preserves (your choice: apricot, raspberry, strawberry, or any favorite)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

   • Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly but cohesive.

4. Assemble the Bars:

   • Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust. Spread the fruit preserves evenly over this layer. If using, sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped nuts on top of the preserves.
   • Crumble the remaining mixture over the fruit layer, pressing down gently.

5. Bake the Bars:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

6. Cool and Cut:

   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles to share with your friends!

Flavor Profile

These fruit bars boast a lovely balance of sweetness and a slightly tangy note from the fruit preserves. The oats provide a wonderful chewy texture, complemented by the buttery base. Each bite is like a flavor explosion of fruity goodness that will surely put a smile on anyone's face!

I hope you enjoy making these fabulous fruit bars! Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to modify anything!