Delicious Oatmeal Crumble Bars with Apricot and Cherry Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup of versatile all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of traditional old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup of firmly packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of salt for taste
• 8 tablespoons of rich, creamy butter
• 2 cups of sweetened, flaked coconut
• 2 cups of sliced almonds for crunch
• 2 cups of sweet dried cherries
• 2 cups of coarsely chopped dried apricots
• 1 ½ cans (14 ounces each) of sweetened condensed milk

Step 1

Prepare the oven by adjusting the rack to the lower-middle position and preheating it to a cozy 325 degrees. Give a gentle spritz of vegetable cooking spray to a 13-by-9-inch Pyrex baking pan and keep it handy for later use.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork to blend in the butter until a cohesive mixture forms with delightful clumps. Take 1 1/2 packed cups of this oat concoction and press it into the pan, crafting a delicate crust.

Step 3

Next, in a spacious bowl, combine the coconut, almonds, cherries, apricots, and milk to create a luscious filling. Pour this fruity blend over the prepared crust, using a rubber spatula to evenly spread and gently press down. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top to add a satisfying crunch.

Step 4

Let this delightful creation bake until it exudes a light golden hue, typically around 30 minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. For optimal freshness, you can store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Step 5

When ready to indulge, slice into generous 1 1/2-inch squares and savor each delicious bite.