This Simple Dessert Single-Handedly Got Me Through College

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Everybody deserves a sweet treat every now and again—but for me, my sweet treat used to come almost every day. I was what you may call an “overachiever” in college, so from morning to nightfall, I was either in class, helping out with my extracurriculars, or working on assignments. Being so busy, I developed a small habit of indulging in something sweet every day as a pick-me-up from an overloaded schedule. When I moved into my college house and discovered my roommate and now friend, Hannah, was a baker, I felt overjoyed. Now I could get my dose of sweets right at home. She was the person who introduced me to this delicious apple dessert and it became a staple in our house.

What Are Applesauce Bars?

Applesauce bars are a dessert made with cake mix, applesauce, and nuts. I’ve seen other recipes made from scratch, calling for a mix of spices and confectioner’s sugar, but Hannah’s recipe makes life a little easier with the cake mix shortcut. The result is something moist, rich, and absolutely delicious. These are best when served fresh out of the oven. Feel free to use whichever nuts you have on hand, and be careful not to burn yourself when digging in. A tray of these never lasted very long in the house.

Hannah’s Applesauce Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 box Pillsbury Plus Yellow Cake Mix 
  • 1/2 cup margarine, softened
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup applesauce 
  • 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 1/4 cup wheat germ

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Mix cake mix, margarine, and cinnamon until well combined. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping. Pour the remaining mixture into the pan and transfer to the oven. Bake for 12 minutes. 
  3. Mix nuts and wheat germ into the reserved cup of cake mix.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread applesauce over the top. Sprinkle all over with butterscotch chips. Top with the reserved cup of cake mix.
  5. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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