Makeover Chocolate Layer Bars

By ezunich

Ingredients

• Creamy layer:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 3 tbs baking cocoa
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners; sugar
• 3 tbs milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Frosting:
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup baking cocoa
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Details

Servings 40

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large mixing 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.

2. Pour into a 15 x 10 inch 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.

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

4. 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 heats; stir in chocolate chips until melted.

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