Kwik-Krumb Raisin Bars

Not your standard bar cookie as this one has an oatmeal layer in which you sandwich a raisin filling. Recipe comes from a Pillsbury Bake-Off Cookbook from the 1980's.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Yields: 1 nine x thirteen pan

Ingredients

• FILLING

• 2 1⁄2 cups raisins
• 1  cup water
• 1  cup applesauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄2 cup  nuts, chopped (optional)

• BAR

• 2  cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1  cup flour
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup flaked coconut
• 3⁄4 cup butter, softened

Directions

1. FILLING: In a medium saucepan, bring raisins and water to a boil and simmer 15 minutes; drain.
2. Stir in applesauce, lemon juice, and cinnamon; set aside.
3. BAR: Preheat oven to 350°F.
4. In a medium bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, sugar, and coconut; cut in butter until crumbly.
5. Press 2 1/2 cups crumbs into bottom of ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan.
6. Spread raisin filling evenly over bar mixture.
7. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired.
8. Sprinkle evenly with remaining crumb mixture; press down lightly.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes or till light golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire rack.
11. Cut into bars.