Apricot-Oatmeal Bars

From EatingWell: July/August 1995

These pretty streusel-topped bars are quick to make and easy to transport. Made with unsweetened apricot preserves, they are a good source of potassium and beta carotene.

READER'S COMMENT:

"so easy, very delicious. i added walnuts to the top and served with vanilla ice cream. i will definitely make again, maybe next time with a reduced sugar apricot preserves- it was a little too sweet for me and i don't think i would miss...

Makes: 15 bars

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose white flour
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons apple or cranberry juice
1 10-ounce jar apricot preserves, preferably “all-fruit” (1 scant cup)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325°F. Coat an 8-by-12-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
Work together oats, flour, brown sugar, salt and baking soda with your fingertips in a large bowl until no lumps of brown sugar remain. Drizzle oil and fruit juice over the oats and mix in with your fingertips until evenly moistened and crumbly.
Set aside 1/2 cup for the topping; press the remainder evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread apricot preserves over the top. Sprinkle with the reserved oat topping.
Bake until golden, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool in the baking dish on a rack. Cut into 15 bars. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Per bar: 164 calories; 4 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 48 mg sodium; 12 mg potassium.

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 2 other carbohydrate, 1 fat

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