Applesauce Bars

Here's a fun snacking cake with lots of apple taste that is perfect to tuck into kids lunches to tote along or when friends are coming over for a visit.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 24 barsIngredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) wheat bran
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) ground flax
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
• 2 tsp (10 mL) cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground nutmeg
• Pinch cloves (optional)
• Pinch salt
• 2 cups (500 mL) unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) canola oil
• Icing Sugar (optional)

Directions:

In large bowl whisk together flour, bran, flax, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, if using and salt. In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, brown sugar, eggs and oil. Pour over flour mixture and stir until moistened. Scrape batter into greased and parchment paper lined 13 x 9-inch baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in 350 F oven for about 35 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool completely and cut into bars. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts per serving:

Calories: 96 Fat: 4 g Saturated: 0 g Cholesterol:  16 mg Sodium: 46 mg Potassium: 94 mg Carbohydrates: 14 g Fibre: 2 g Protein: 2 g

Reprinted with permission by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.