Makeover Chocolate Layer Bars

Name: Makeover Chocolate Layer Bars
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons baking cocoa; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/3 cup butter, softened; 1/3 cup reduced-fat butter, softened; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 3 tablespoons fat-free milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 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

19 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup reduced-fat butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons fat-free milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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

Directions

1

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.
2

Pour into a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
3

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.
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 heat; 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.