Chewy Turtle Brownies

My chocolate cravings are setting in and these babies hit the spot! I love brownies and the caramel chewiness made these scrumptious! You really can't tell the are lower in fat!!



Ingredients:

1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup sugar
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
36 caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/3 cup chocolate chips
2/3 cup chopped pecans (I didn't have any so I used walnuts)

1. First make the brownies by mixing the applesauce, sugar, vanilla, and egg whites together. Next add in the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir until combined add pour into a 9x9 baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes.
2. While the brownies are cooking prepare the caramel. Put all caramels into a microwave safe bowl and add the 2 tablespoons of milk. Microwave for 1-2 minutes and stir every minute until smooth.
3. When brownies have cooked for 10 minutes pull them out and pour the caramel over the brownies. Spread over until about 1/4 inch from the edges. *If the caramel goes all the way to the edge and touches the side of the pan, it will become hard and EXTREMELY sticky and when cooked the remaining time, so keep away from the side.:)
Ok, now after the caramel is poured on, sprinkle with 2/3 cup chocolate chips and 1/3 cup of chopped nuts. Pour the rest of the brownie batter onto caramel layer. Again, sprinkle with the rest of the chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Bake 20-25 more minutes until center is set. Now, LET THEM COOL. This is a must. For a couple of hours, then dig in!