Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and baking soda. Blend until creamy, then stir in the rolled oats and flour until uniform.

Press 2 cups of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a sturdy crust.

Spread the apricot preserves evenly over the pressed crust, leaving a 1/4-inch border.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture generously over the apricot layer, ensuring an even distribution.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and edges slightly pull away from the pan.

Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles.