Brownie Caramel Pecan Bars

These have to be some of the best brownies that I have ever had!! They were soooo good and moist. Perfect for a chocolate craving. I love brownies and I am always looking for new yummy recipes! I hope you like this one!

1/2 cup applesauce

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 egg whites

1/2 cup flour

2 cups chocolate chips, divided

1/3 cup cocoa

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

caramel topping (recipe follows)

1 cup pecan pieces

1. Heat oven to 350. Grease 9 inch square pan.

2.Stir together applesauce, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add egg whites, beat well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. Spread into pan.

3. Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies began to pull away from sides. Remove brownies from oven immediately and carefully spread with prepared topping. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup chips and pecans over topping. Cool completely in pan, be careful not to disturb chips while soft. Cut and enjoy!

Carmel topping: remove wrappers from 25 caramels. In medium microwave safe bowl place 2 tablespoons tub butter or butter/margarine, caramels and 2 tablespoons milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir. Microwave an additional 1-2 minutes stirring every 30 seconds or until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Use immediately.

* you can use your favorite kind of nuts; peanuts or almonds would be good too!!