Citrus Fruit Bliss Bars
Indulge in these refreshing Citrus Fruit Bliss Bars, a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients and vibrant fruits. Inspired by a classic recipe from Esther Brody's 'The 250 Best Brownies, Bars & Squares', these bars are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. The base, made from a blend of all-purpose flour and hearty oats, supports a luscious topping of mandarin oranges, banana, apple, and raisins, all harmonizing under a hint of cinnamon. They're not just tasty; they're packed with vitamins and perfect for sharing at brunch, picnics, or as an on-the-go treat!
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (measured)
old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups (measured)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
butter or margarine
3/4 cup (softened)
packed brown sugar
1 cup (measured)
canned mandarin oranges
10 ounces (drained)
banana
1 (sliced)
apple
1 (cubed and peeled)
raisins
1/2 cup (measured)
orange juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Gradually blend the flour-oat mixture into the butter-sugar blend until well combined. Set aside 1 1/4 cups of this mixture for later.
5
Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13x9 inch ungreased cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
6
While the base is baking, prepare the fruit topping by mixing the drained mandarin oranges, sliced banana, cubed apple, raisins, orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
7
Once the base has baked, remove it from the oven and carefully spread the fruit topping evenly over the warm base, leaving about 1/4 inch space from the edges to prevent overflow.
8
Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/4 cups of base mixture over the fruit topping, patting it down gently to help it adhere.
9
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
10
Once baked, place the pan on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 36 bars and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2.8g
Fat
10g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Fruit Bliss Bars?
Citrus Fruit Bliss Bars are refreshing snack bars made with a wholesome base of oats and flour, topped with a vibrant fruit mixture of oranges, banana, and apple.
Who is the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Esther Brody's book 'The 250 Best Brownies, Bars & Squares'.
How many bars does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 36 bars.
What is the calorie count for one Citrus Fruit Bliss Bar?
Each bar contains approximately 67 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What type of oats are required for the base?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned (rolled) oats.
How much butter or margarine is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of softened butter or margarine.
What size baking pan should be used?
A 13x9 inch ungreased cake pan is recommended.
How long should the base bake before adding the fruit?
The base should bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Which fruits are included in the topping?
The topping consists of canned mandarin oranges, sliced banana, cubed apple, and raisins.
Should the apple be peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the apple should be peeled and cubed.
How should the mandarin oranges be prepared?
The 10 ounces of canned mandarin oranges should be drained.
Does the recipe use fresh orange juice?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much ground cinnamon is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon is used: 1/2 teaspoon in the base and 1 teaspoon in the fruit topping.
How much of the base mixture should be reserved for the topping?
You should set aside 1 1/4 cups of the flour-oat-butter mixture to sprinkle over the fruit.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each bar contains 2.8g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each bar contains 10g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per bar?
There is 0.8g of protein in each bar.
Is the baking pan supposed to be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased cake pan.
How long is the final baking time?
The bars should bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Are these bars suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
What type of sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
How should the fruit topping be spread?
Spread the fruit evenly over the warm base, leaving a 1/4 inch space from the edges.
What is the secret to getting the top layer to stick?
Pat down the reserved mixture gently over the fruit topping to help it adhere.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home bakers.
What preparation is needed for the banana?
The banana should be sliced.
What should I do after the bars are done baking?
Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before cutting.
What are the primary dietary benefits mentioned?
The bars are described as healthy, wholesome, and packed with vitamins from the fruit.
How much flour is required?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour.