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.
    1. Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Cool completely; cut into bars.
13. Store loosely covered.