Apricot Ribbon Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.

Combine chopped California apricots with apricot jam in a small bowl and set aside.

Cream together softened butter and firmly packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Beat in vanilla extract until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking soda.

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined.

Fold in old-fashioned oats and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.

Spread the apricot and jam mixture evenly over the oat base layer.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the apricot layer and gently press down to create an even top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.