Recipe: Apple Bran Bars

Apple Bran Bars
Source: Washington State Apple Commission
Makes 24 Bars

Use 100% bran flakes, not bran-type cereals, for best results.

2/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup milk
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup bran flakes
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped Golden Delicious apples
1/2 cup walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting (optional; recipe below)

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 15- by 10-inch jelly roll pan. In large bowl, with electric mixer, beat together shortening and sugar until light in texture-about 3 minutes. Add egg and beat well. Add molasses and milk, beating until well combined.

In small bowl, combine flour, bran, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to shortening mixture, beating on low speed just until combined. Spread batter in prepared pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan.

Meanwhile, prepare Cream Cheese Frosting, if desired. When bar mixture has cooled, spread with Cream Cheese Frosting; cut into 24 bars and serve.

Cream Cheese Frosting
In large bowl with electric mixer, beat together 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter or margarine. Add 1 teaspoon grated orange peel and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat in 2 cups confectioners' sugar until smooth.