Tri-Layer Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

A Messy Cook's Note:

I have fond childhood memories of these fudgy cookie bars. I recently found the recipe again, so I'm posting it here for safekeeping, and so other people can enjoy it too! Applesauce is used to lower the fat content.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 14 bars

Crust

• 1 cup quick oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Filling

• 2⁄3; cup flour
• ½ cup baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ cup low-fat buttermilk

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon skim milk
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder

Directions:

1. Combine all crust ingredients in bowl, and stir with fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; press evenly into bottom of sprayed 8-inch baking pan.
2. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
3. For filling, combine flour, baking powder and salt in bowl; combine remaining filling ingredients (except buttermilk) in separate bowl, and add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, stirring after each addition.
4. Spread filling over baked crust, and bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Combine all icing ingredients in small bowl until smooth; spread evenly over bars and let stand until set.