Apple-Walnut Bars

For a good supply of lunchbox treats, make a double batch of these apple-walnut bars and freeze individual bars wrapped in foil.

15 bars

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

32 graham cracker squares
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup dried apples
1/2 cup sugar
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, chopped and toasted (see Tip)
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 300°F. Coat an 8-by-12-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Process graham crackers and cinnamon in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Leaving about 1/2 cup in the workbowl, transfer the crumbs to another container. Add apples to the workbowl and process until coarsely chopped.
Combine sugar, egg whites, egg, vanilla and salt in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until thick, about 3 minutes. Fold in the reserved crumbs, apples and the toasted walnuts just until combined. Transfer batter to the prepared baking dish; smooth the top with a wet rubber spatula. Bake until the top feels dry and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
Let cool completely on a wire rack. Dust lightly with confectioners’ sugar and cut into 15 bars.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Freeze for longer storage.

Tip: To toast chopped walnuts: Place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition

Per bar: 148 calories; 4 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 14 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 1 g fiber; 216 mg sodium; 80 mg potassium.

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1/2 fat