Crumb-topped Pecan Cherry Cereal Bars
published by starrleena magic on Apr 3, 2011
Oats & puffed rice are combined w/ crunchy pecans to make an easy press-in dough that works double duty as a cookie-like bottom & a crumbly top. A layer of cherry fruit spread in between adds fresh flavor & color.
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. quick-cooking oats
1 c. puffed rice cereal (preferably brown rice)
1 c. chopped pecans
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1-10 oz. jar cherry all-fruit spread
1. Preheat oven to 350 deg. F. Butter 9″ sq. baking pan.
2. Combine flour, oats, puffed rice, pecans, cinnamon, baking powder & salt in med. bowl.
3. Using electric mixer, beat butter, oil, sugar & vanilla in lg. bowl. til well-blended & creamy. Add dry ingredients & mix well moistened & crumbly dough forms. Reserve 1 1/2 c. of dough for topping. Press remaining dough evenly into bottom of pan.
4. Spread fruit spread evenly over dough in pan. Sprinkle reserved dough mixture over top, leaving some areas uncovered. Gently press down to adhere topping to fruit layer. Bake 30 min. or til deep golden. Cool 15 min. Slice into 12 (2 1/4 x 3″) bars.
Per (1 bar) serving: 280 cal.; 15 g. fat; 10 mg. chol.; 3 g. pro.; 35 g. carbs.; 2 g. fiber; 120 mg. sodium.
