American Apricot Coconut Crumble Bars

SERVES: 36

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES

COOKS IN: 45 MINUTES

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups dried coconut , medium cut
• pinch salt
• 1 cup butter , cut in small pieces

FOR THE APRICOT FILLING

• 3 cups chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup sugar
• 1½ cups boiling water

Method

TO MAKE THE CRUMBLE

1. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, coconut and salt.
2. Using your hands or a pastry blender cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the it is completely incorporated and the mixture resembles a coarse crumbly meal.
3. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch well greased baking pan. 
4. Pour and spread the apricot filling evenly over the bottom crumbs. 
5. Gently sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the apricot filling and press down gently.
6. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 40 – 45 minutes or until light golden brown in color. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

TO MAKE THE APRICOT FILLING

1. Simmer the chopped apricots, sugar and water until the apricots are softened and the mixture comes to a jam-like consistency. 
2. Alternatively, you can use a good quality apricot jam. You will need about 2½ cups.