FROSTED APPLE CINNAMON BARS Rich and chunky, these bars are truly a homespun favorite. Preparation time: 30 min Baking time: 33 min Yield: 48 bars Bar Ingredients: 1 1/3 | | cups all-purpose flour | 1 | | teaspoon salt | 3/4 | | teaspoon baking soda | 1 1/2 | | cups uncooked old-fashioned oats | 3/4 | | cup Butter, softened | 3/4 | | cup firmly packed brown sugar | 1/2 | | cup sugar | 2 | | eggs | 1 | | teaspoon vanilla | 1 | | (10-ounce) package cinnamon-flavored baking chips* | 1 | | medium (1 cup) apple, chopped | Frosting Ingredients: 3 | | cups powdered sugar | 1/4 | | cup Butter, softened | 1 | | (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened | 1 | | teaspoon vanilla | | | Ground cinnamon, if desired | Heat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, salt and baking soda in medium bowl; stir in oats.
Combine butter, brown sugar and sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture. Beat until well mixed. Stir in cinnamon chips and apple by hand.
Spread batter into greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 33 to 38 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Combine all frosting ingredients in small bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Spread over cooled bars. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
*Substitute 1 (10 to 12-ounce) package white baking chips and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Recipe Tip Cut bars with a wet knife to get a clean edge.
These bars are full of oatmeal and apples, plus sweet cinnamon chips. Oats are a wonderful source of fiber too. There's no need to peel the apple before chopping; leave it on for added nutrition and fiber. |