Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE LAYER BARS

Category: Bars

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
3 tbsp baking cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup buttermilk

Creamy Layer:
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup reduced-fat butter, softened
2 cups confectioners sugar
3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, applesauce and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.

Pour into a jelly-roll baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

For creamy layer, in a small bowl, beat the butters, confectioners sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Spread over top of cake.

For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, milk and cocoa. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; stir in chocolate chips until melted.

With a hand mixer, beat frosting for 2-4 minutes or until thickened. Gently spread over the top. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 40 bars