Sunshine Fruit Bars(Low-Fat)
Bright and tangy Sunshine Fruit Bars combine dried mixed fruit with orange juice and cinnamon, offering a low-fat, wholesome treat perfect for snacks or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Quaker Quick oats ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup canola or other vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Egg Beaters or 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package diced, dried mixed fruit ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Add orange juice, vegetable oil, egg whites, and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in the dried mixed fruit.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of oats on top.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until lightly browned and edges pull away from sides of the pan.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the orange juice with applesauce to enhance the sweetness without extra fat. If you don't have dried mixed fruit, you can use raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots instead. Ensure to spread the mixture evenly; this helps it bake uniformly, similar to how you would prepare the Crumb Topped Baked French Toast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sunshine Fruit Bars as a nutritious breakfast option or a delightful afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of yogurt or a side of fresh fruit for a complete meal. For a fun twist, crumble them over a bowl of yogurt or serve alongside the Crustless Egg Custard(Good!!!) for a hearty brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing snack. These bars are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunshine Fruit Bars(Low-Fat) contains roughly 274 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 702mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free oats and flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free oats and flour to make these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet. Just ensure that the products are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
How can I make these bars sweeter without adding sugar?
You can increase the sweetness naturally by adding more dried fruit or using a ripe banana mashed into the mix. Another option is to add a bit of honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will increase the moisture content slightly.
Can I freeze these fruit bars for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave them directly from frozen for a quick treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).