APPLE OAT BARS OAT BARS DIRECTIONS

No matter how you slice it, apples are the jewel of autumn and the perfect way to welcome the cooler weather. These apple oat bars show you that a little bit can go a long way! The butter in these bars makes them decadent, and their high fibre content and protein punch make them perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack for the whole family.

Serves 9 • Prep time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 15 minutes 3 cups (750 mL) quick cooking oats, divided

1/2 cup (125 mL) almond or regular flour

1/4 cup (60 mL) butter

1/2 cup (125 mL) brown sugar, packed

1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon, divided

1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

1/3 cup (80 mL) 2% milk

APPLE TOPPING

1 tbsp (15 mL) butter

2 cups (500 mL) diced Ontario apples

1/4 cup (60 mL) prunes, diced 1/4 cup (60 mL) cold water, divided

1 tsp (5 mL) cornstarch

OAT BARS:

1 Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8 x 8-inch glass dish with parchment paper. In a food processor, grind 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) of the oats until it resembles a coarse flour, about a minute on high speed. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the remaining oats and almond flour.

2 In a small microwavable bowl, combine butter and brown sugar. Microwave for 1 minute; whisk together. Whisk in 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon, vanilla and milk.

3 Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients using a wooden spoon. Press the oat mixture into the prepared glass dish and bake for 15 minutes.

APPLE TOPPING:

1 Meanwhile, in a small pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in apples, prunes, and the remaining 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Stir in half of the water and cook for 3 minutes. Mix cornstarch with remaining water and stir into the apple mixture. Cook for 30 seconds or until thickened.

2 Remove oatmeal bake from the oven and spoon the apple mixture evenly over top of the oatmeal. Allow oat bars to cool fully before slicing. Enjoy!

To learn more visit: onapples.com