Whole Grain Banana Fruit 'N Nut Bars

These wholesome tasty bars make perfect treats for school lunches or snacks anytime of the day.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margerine
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 small bananas)
1 1/2 cups Quaker oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
2/3 cup chopped pitted dates or golden raisins
2/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Stir together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in medium bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. In large bowl, beat light butter and brown sugar with electric mixer until well blended. Add egg and bananas; mix well. (Mixture will look curdled.) Add flour mixture; beat on low just until well blended. Stir in oats, dates and walnuts. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until edges are golden brown and wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
5. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Store tightly covered at room temperature up to 2 days or place in airtight container and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost uncovered at room temperature.

Makes 24 bars.

Tips:

• To save time, purchase walnuts and dates already chopped.
  
• Other dried fruits may be substituted for dates.
  
• Toasted pecans, almonds or hazelnuts may be substituted for walnuts.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of The Quaker Oats Company.