Decadent Applesauce Spice Bars

Image for recipe: Decadent Applesauce Spice Bars
Bar Cookie

Ingredients: 22

Indulge in these luxurious applesauce spice bars, bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate, complemented by the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of raisins. Drizzled with a velvety glaze, these bars are sure to elevate any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Bars
cooking spray
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup margarine, softened
2 cups sweetened applesauce
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
4 eggs
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins (optional)

For the Glaze
glaze
2 1⁄4 cups confectioners' sugar
1⁄4 cup reduced-fat milk (2%)
2 tablespoons margarine, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Creating the Bars

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
    2. In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 cup of softened margarine using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until well blended.
    3. Add the applesauce, buttermilk, and eggs; mix thoroughly.
    4. Incorporate the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the ground nutmeg; beat until fully combined.
    5. Fold in the semisweet chocolate morsels and chopped walnuts. Include raisins if desired.
    6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
    7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

  • Preparing the Glaze

    1. In a small bowl, prepare the glaze by beating together confectioners' sugar, reduced-fat milk, 2 tablespoons of softened margarine, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the vanilla using an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
    2. Spread the glaze over the cooled dessert.
    3. Allow the bars to stand until the glaze sets.
    4. Cut into 48 bars for serving.

Jul 25, 2024