Applesauce & Walnut Squares With A Streusel Topping

Total Time: 37 mins Preparation Time: 12 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon clove
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup moist golden raisin (optional)
• 1 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter (stick not spread)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

Recipe

• 1 heat oven to 350°f.
• 2 line a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch jelly-roll pan with foil, letting it extend above pan at the ends.
• 3 grease foil in the pan with oil or margarine.
• 4 in a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients except the flour, walnuts and raisins. with mixer on medium speed, blend ingredients.
• 5 switch mixer to low speed and beat in the flour - just until blended.
• 6 fold walnuts and raisins (optional) into the batter. turn into the prepared pan. set aside.
• 7 make the streusel topping: put brown sugar, flour, butter (cut into small pieces), cinnamon and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl. stir with a fork until crumbly; add walnuts.
• 8 sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. remove pan to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. refrigerate for about 2 hours for easy cutting.
• 9 lift foil by ends onto a cutting board. cut into squares; discard foil.
• 10 serve with coffee, tea, milk or mulled cider. these are also awfully good with a little scoop of ice cream and a glass of warmed brandy.
• 11 cook's tip: if desired, sprinkle with confectioners sugar instead of streusel.
• 12 storing tip: refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.