Moist Applesauce Cocoa Bars

These bars are so moist and yummy. I have even added chopped apples to the batter... Note: this makes a large amount of bars, but they freeze well...great for potlucks too.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 3-4 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine, softened
• 2  eggs
• 2  tablespoons  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 2  cups applesauce
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1  cup  chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
3. In a bowl, cream the 1-1/2 cups sugar with the 1/2 cup butter; beat until fluffy.
4. Add in the eggs; beat well.
5. Sift together the cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon and the flour.
6. Add to the butter mixture, alternately with the applesauce; mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
8. In a small bowl, combine the 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped nuts.
9. Sprinkle over the batter in the pan.
10. Bake for 30 minutes (do not over bake!) Cut into bars.