Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars

PREP: 20 minutes BAKE: 28 minutes OVEN: 325°F MAKES 16 bars

Nonstick cooking spray

4 cups sweetened oat cereal flakes with raisins

3⁄4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour

1⁄2 cup snipped dried apples

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1⁄2 cup honey

1⁄2 cup chunky peanut butter

1⁄3 cup butter, melted

1 Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over edges of pan. Lightly coat foil with cooking spray; set pan aside.

2 In a large bowl combine cereal, oats, flour, and dried apples. In a small bowl combine eggs, honey, peanut butter, and melted butter. Pour egg mixture over cereal mixture; stir to combine.

3 Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Using the back of a large spoon, press mixture evenly onto bottom of pan. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until edges are brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

PER BAR: 208 cal., 9 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 37 mg chol., 131 mg sodium, 29 g carb., 2 g fiber, 5 g pro.

Make-Ahead Directions: Prepare and cool as directed. Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.

tip

Some purchased breakfast bars are high in sugar and artificial colors and flavors. Make your own bars that use less sugar and ingredients you can pronounce. You’ll save money too.