Lemon Apricot Walnut Bars

Lemon Apricot Walnut Bars
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp lemon zest
1/3 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
1 cup quick cooking oatmeal
2/3 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
12 oz apricot preserves (approx 1 jar)

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest and cardamom. Stir in flour mixture, followed by oatmeal and walnuts.
Take two cups (about 2/3) of the dough and press it into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared pan. You can use a little extra to patch any holes, though the layer should not be too thick.
Spread apricot preserves into an even layer on top of the base.
Crumble remaining dough with your fingertips and sprinkle evenly over the apricot layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until bars are lightly browned and apricot filling is bubbling.
Allow to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the aluminum foil and cut into bars.
Makes 36 bars.

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