Peanut butter oatmeal bars

For the bars:
1-3/4 cups reduced-fat creamy peanut butter, plus 3/4 cup extra for topping the bars when cooked
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Frosting:
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup skim milk
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

In a large bowl, cream 1 cup peanut butter, butter, brown sugar and
sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well
after each addition. Beat in applesauce and vanilla. Combine the
flour, oats and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and
mix well (batter will be thick).
Spread into a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together 1 3/4 cup of peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar and
white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the applesauce and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well (batter will be very thick and sticky).
Spread into a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray.
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Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes; spread with additional 3/4 cup of peanut
butter. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
To make the frosting
In a large bowl, beat frosting ingredients until light and fluffy.
Spread over the peanut butter layer. Cut into bars. Yields: 3 dozen.


Serving Size: 36 bars