Apple Oatmeal Bars

Apple Oatmeal Bars
Source: Washington State Apple Commission
Makes 20 Bars

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts plus more for garnish, if
desired
1 cup prepared vanilla icing (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In large bowl with electric mixer, beat brown sugar and butter until creamy. Add eggs; beat until light and fluffy.

Combine both flours, the cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir into butter mixture until blended. Stir in apples, oats, and nuts. Spread mixture in pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely. If desired, top with icing and garnish with nuts before cutting into bars.