Apple-Oat Bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups�unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup�old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup�packed light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon�baking powder
1/2 teaspoon�salt
1/2 teaspoon�ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon�ground nutmeg
1/3 cup�apple cider or �apple juicev 3 tablespoons�vegetable oil
3 cups�peeled, chopped tart apples, such as Granny Smith
1/4 cup�coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted, optional

Charmingly old-fashioned, these wholesome bars pair the comforting flavors of apples and oats. They're the perfect snack to pack in a lunch box or enjoy with a glass of milk.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 9x9-inch baking pan, or coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in large bowl. Using fork or fingertips, work in cider and oil until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press about 1 1/2 cups oat mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan. Sprinkle with chopped apples. Mix walnuts, if using, into remaining oat mixture. Sprinkle evenly over apples, and pat into even layer.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is golden and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting into bars.

Ease of preparation: Moderate

Preparation time: 10 min

Cook time: 30-35 min

Servings: 16