Applesauce Walnut Bars

These cinnamon-accented bar cookies with chocolate and walnuts are very moist and chewy!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 67 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ¼ cups white sugar
• ½ cup applesauce
• 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan.

Step 2

Melt chocolate in the microwave or in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth. Remove from heat, and let cool.

Step 3

Cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring constantly until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce, melted chocolate and vanilla. Add to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth.

Step 4

Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; gradually stir into the batter. Fold in chopped walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 5

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan before cutting.