Apple Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

 * ½ cup packed brown sugar
 * ⅓ cup butter or margarine, softened
 * 2 large eggs
 * ½ cup whole wheat flour
 * ¼ cup all purpose flour
 * 1 teaspoon cinnamon
 * ¾ teaspoon baking powder
 * ¾ teaspoon baking soda
 * ¼ teaspoon salt
 * 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and diced
 * 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
 * ½ cup coarsely chopped nuts plus more for garnish, if desired
 * 1 cup prepared vanilla icing (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Heat oven to 375 °F.
 * 2) Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
 * 3) In large bowl with electric mixer, beat brown sugar and butter until creamy.
 * 4) Add eggs; beat until light and fluffy.
 * 5) Combine both flours, the cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
 * 6) Stir into butter mixture until blended.
 * 7) Stir in apples, oats, and nuts.
 * 8) Spread mixture in pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
 * 9) Cool completely.
 * 10) If desired, top with icing and garnish with nuts before cutting into bars.