Oatmeal Coconut Bars

I personally don't like coconut so I leave it out and sometimes add dried fruit. This recipe is from American Profile

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 18

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F 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.