Harvest Fruit Bars

Description
For that harvest / Autumn flavor.
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Makes 32 bars.

Ingredients

 * 1 (6-ounce) package diced dried mixed fruit bits
 * 1 cup chopped banana (about 2 medium)
 * ⅔ cup orange juice
 * 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided use
 * 1¾ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
 * 1½ cups oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
 * ½ pound (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
 * 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
 * ½ cup chopped nuts

Directions

 * 1) Heat oven to 375°F.
 * 2) In medium bowl, combine dried fruit, banana, orange juice and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice; set aside.
 * 3) In medium bowl, combine flour, oats and remaining ½ teaspoon apple pie spice; mix well.
 * 4) In large bowl, beat margarine and sugar together with electric mixer until creamy.
 * 5) Add oat mixture; beat until crumbly.
 * 6) Reserve ¾ cup mixture for topping.
 * 7) Press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
 * 8) Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
 * 9) Spread fruit evenly over crust to within ¼-inch of edge.
 * 10) Add nuts to reserved oat mixture; mix well.
 * 11) Sprinkle evenly over fruit; pat down lightly.
 * 12) Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
 * 13) Cool completely; cut into bars.
 * 14) Store loosely covered.