Cherry Oat Bars (From A Cake Mix) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

18 1/2 ounces white cake mix
2 cups quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup cherry preserves
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375. Prepare a 9x13 pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, oats and butter until butter has been evenly distributed and entire mixture is crumbly. (See Note #1 at end for directions to make a lower-fat option).
Press TWO-THIRDS the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, mix the preserves with water and spread over the crust. (See Note #2 at end, regarding jam).
Add pecans to the remaining ONE THIRD oat mixture and crumble this over the top, allowing some of the cherry filling to show through.
Bake 375 for 28-30 minutes (34-36 minutes if you are doing the lower-fat option), or until the top is lightly browned and the center doesn't collapse when you press lightly.
For best results, cut into bars after the bars are set and cooled (I like to cover with foil and cut into bars the next day).
NOTE #1: For lower-fat option, instead of 3/4 cup butter, use 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup applesauce.
NOTE #2: A 10 oz. jar of Smuckers \"Simply Fruit\" is about 1 cup. Use the whole jar.