Apricot-Cherry Bars With Oatmeal Crumble Topping

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup brown sugar for crumble topping
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crumble topping

Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including preparation and baking time)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C)

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add vegetable oil and eggs, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Stir in chopped apricots and cherries.
4. In a separate bowl, mix oatmeal, brown sugar, and chopped nuts for the crumble topping.
5. Spread the dough in a baking dish (9x13 inches).
6. Top the dough with the oatmeal crumble mixture.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings) Calories: 350, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 5g, Fiber: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Fruity flavor from apricots and cherries
• Crunchy oatmeal crumble topping
• Moist and dense bar texture
• Suitable for American taste with a blend of sweet and savory flavors

User Comments:

1. "These bars are delicious! The combination of apricots and cherries is unique and really tasty."
2. "The oatmeal crumble topping is a great addition, gives the bars a nice crunch."
3. "These bars are perfect for a weekend baking project, they were a hit with my family!"
4. "The texture is really good, not too sweet but not too savory."
5. "I will definitely make these again, they were a hit at my party!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh fruits if possible for best flavor. If using frozen fruits, make sure they are fully drained before adding to the dough.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can affect the texture of the bars.
• Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
• For best results, use a baking dish with a non-stick surface to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.