Apple oat bars recipe

Serving:

Great for when you're on the go and also for kids' lunch boxes.  Makes 18 bars.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container.  The apple oat bars can also be frozen.

Cooking:

Takes 10 minutes of preparation and 45 minutes to cook.

Alternatives:

This also works with maple syrup instead of honey. Top with flaked almonds, instead of walnuts.

Ingredients:

2 cups wholemeal self-raising flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons mixed spice
1 cup oats
2 Granny Smith apples, coarsely grated
1/2 cup sultanas
1/2 cup low fat natural yoghurt
1 egg
1 1/4 cup apple juice
1/2 cup honey
30g walnuts

Method:

Preheat the oven to 150°C.  Grease and line a 3cm deep, 16cm x 28cm (base) baking pan with baking paper.

Mix together the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking soda and spices into a large bowl.  Add the oats, apple and sultanas and stir to combine.

Mix together the wet ingredients: In a seperate bowl, whisk together the yoghurt, egg, apple juice and honey.  Add to the flour mixture and using a metal spoon, fold until just combined.  Do not over-mix.

Cooking the bars: Spoon this mixture into the prepared baking tray and sprinkle with walnuts.  Bake in a preheated oven for 40 - 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes clean.  Remove from the oven and allow the apple oat bars to cool completely before cutting into 18 pieces.