Fruit bars to satisfy the family

After a wonderful response from a post a few days ago about nut-free desserts, I thought it was only fair that I share my deliciously chewy and fruity oat bars. This recipe is adapted from a nuttier version in The Washington Post, and made to fit the nut-free lifestyle. Happy baking!

Fruity Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup granola
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1 cup strawberry preserves

Directions

1.       Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Spread the chopped pecans in a pie plate and toast for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool.

2.       In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking soda and granola. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the melted butter until the oat mixture is thoroughly combined.

3.       Press two-thirds of the oat mixture in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking pan and top with the strawberry preserves. Sprinkle the preserves with the remaining oat mixture.

4.       Bake the bars for about 45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking, until the top is golden brown. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the granola bars cool completely, about 3 hours. Cut into squares and serve.

Make Ahead: The bars can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week.