Lower-Fat Peanut Chocolate Chip Trail Bars

These are moist brownie like bars with just the right amount of chocolate and peanuts. This recipe was originally high fat, but I successfully substitute applesauce for most of the margarine. Excellent served warm, although still very good cool.

• Ready In: 42 mins
• Serves: 21

Ingredients

• 1  cup whole wheat flour
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups  Raisin Bran cereal (Bran Flakes will also work)
• 3⁄4 cup quick oats
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 1⁄2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup coconut (optional)
• 3⁄4 cup chocolate chips
• 3⁄4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped

Directions

1. Stir together flour, cereal, oats, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, beat margarine, sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla.
3. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients; Stir together.
4. Add in all coconut, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and about 2/3 cup peanuts.
5. Spread batter evenly into a greased 9 x 13" baking pan.
6. Sprinkle the top of the batter evenly with remaining chocolate chips and peanuts; lightly press them down on batter.
7. Bake at 350°F for 23-27 minutes, until top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan on a rack.
9. When cool, cut into 21 bars.