Fruity Granola Bars

Submitted by Fluffy

"One of my co workers made these and brought them to work to share. They are so much better than the store bought ones."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 20mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Yields: 30 bars

ingredients

• 5 cups quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant)
• 3⁄4 cup flaked coconut
• 1 (300 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2⁄3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1⁄4 cup margarine, melted
• 1⁄4 cup canola oil
• 1⁄4 cup liquid honey
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup finely chopped dried apricot

directions

1. Combine oats and coconut in a medium bowl.
2. Spread on an ungreased baking sheet.
3. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every five minutes, until fragrant and coconut is golden.
4. Mix condensed milk, applesauce, margarine, oil and honey in a large bowl until well combined.
5. Add oats mixture and stir until moistened.
6. Add cranberries and apricots and stir until well distributed.
7. Line a 13x9 inch pan with foil, leaving one inch overhang on long sides.
8. Spray well with cooking spray.
9. Transfer mixture to pan and pack down firmly.
10. Bake in a preheated 325F oven until set and golden, about 45 minutes.
11. Cool completely.
12. Using foil over hang, lift mixture from pan.
13. Carefully peel off and discard foil.
14. Cut mixture into squares.
15. Wipe blade of sharp knife or run under hot water in between cutting.
16. Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap.
17. Store at room temperature or place bars in resealable freezer bag to freeze for longer storage.