Raspberry-oatmeal squares

16 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
10ouncesFrozen raspberries in light syrup, thawed
2tablespoonsSugar
2tablespoonsCornstarch
¼teaspoonAlmond extract
cupMargarine, softened
cupBrown sugar, firmly packed
1teaspoonVanilla extract
1cupQuick-cooking oats, uncooked
¾cupAll-purpose flour
¼cupWhole wheat flour
½teaspoonBaking soda
teaspoonSalt
Vegetable cooking spray

Directions

Combine raspberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan; stir until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from heat, and stir in almond extract. Set aside.

Beat margarine at medium speed until fluffy; add brown sugar, beating well. Add vanilla; beat well.

Combine oats and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl; stir well. Add to creamed mixture, stirring until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Press 2 cups oat mixture evenly into bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray; set remaining oat mixture aside. Bake at 375-degrees for 6-8 minutes or until crust looks puffed.

Spread raspberry mixture evenly over prepared crust; top raspberry mixture with remaining oat mixture, gently pressing remaining oat mixture into raspberry mixture. Bake at 375-degrees for 15 - 17 minutes or until golden. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into squares.