Apricot Walnut Shortbread Bars

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INGREDIENTS

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups apricot jam

1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup Mariani walnuts, roughly chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.

2. In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.  Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixer.  Mix on low until a moist, crumbly dough forms.

5. Take about two thirds of the dough mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

6. Spread the apricot jam evenly over the shortbread base, leaving a small border around the edges.

7. Add the walnuts and oats to the remaining dough and mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.  Crumble the mixture over the top of the jam layer.

8. Place the dish in the center rack of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crumble top looks toasted.

9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.