Oatmeal-Coconut Breakfast Bars Recipe

1 cup quick oats
1 1/2 cups apple juice
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
3/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups grated carrots
2 eggs, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine oatmeal and apple juice. Cover and heat on high 2 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. Combine flour, wheat germ, 1/2 cup coconut, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, applesauce, carrots and eggs. Fold into flour mixture. Add oatmeal mixture and stir until just blended.
4. Spoon into baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup coconut. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and cut into bars. Serves 18.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen:
Toasted wheat germ adds a nutty flavor and fiber to these bars. It’s also often enriched with vitamin E and folic acid.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen:
Toasted wheat germ adds a nutty flavor and fiber to these bars. It’s also often enriched with vitamin E and folic acid.

Nutritional facts per serving: 150 calories, 2g fat, 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 250mg sodium.