Oatmeal Coconut Breakfast Bars

Oatmeal Coconut Breakfast Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick- cooking oats
• 11⁄2 cups apple juice
• 11⁄2 cups all- purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3⁄4 cup shredded coconut
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup applesauce
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Cooking Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9- inch baking pan.
2. In a micro wave- safe bowl, combine the oats and apple juice. Cover and heat on high for 2 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.
3. Combine the flour, wheat germ, 1⁄2 cup of the coconut, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, applesauce, carrots, and eggs; fold into the flour mixture. Add the oat mixture and stir until just blended.
5. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1⁄4 cup coconut. 
6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool and cut into squares.