Crumbly oat slices!

Asked on 4 Mar 2021 by Lauren2109

I have tried to make the Apricot Oat slices twice now but have problems. The first time the mixture was too crumbly and just fell apart when I tried to cut it into slices. The mixture seemed dry and there didn’t seem enough liquid to make it hold together but I didnt have the correct size tin so I bought the recommended Delia tin with the liner. I have just made a second attempt but despite weighing the oat mixture to make sure I had the same amount for top and bottom, there just wasn’t enough mixture to cover the apricots completely and I had to make some more oat mixture to cover properly. It tastes so lovely so would really welcome your advice to make these successfully.

Thank you

Geraldine Alekna

Lindsey, Food Editor replied

Hello Geraldine,

These can be a bit crumbly.

I’d divide the oat mixture into 2 the sprinkle the oat layers first, then spread them out before pressing it down.

To make sure they hold together you need to be press each layer down it down very firmly.

Also, it helps if the chopped apricots are the very soft eating variety so that they feel a bit squidgy when they are chopped.

We don’t worry too much is the apricots are not completely covered.

It can help to leave them to cool longer before you cut them so the butter has time to set and or chilling them in the fridge (particularly during warm weather) for half an hour makes cutting them easier.

Best wishes

Lindsey