Applesauce Raisin Bars

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shortening
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.

In a medium bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar until smooth. Blend in the applesauce and egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice, stir into the applesauce mixture. Fold in raisins. Spread the batter evenly in to the prepared pan.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. To make frosting: Heat butter in a small saucepan until melted and golden brown. Blend in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Gradually stir in the milk until icing is smooth and spreadable. Spread over cooled bars before cutting into squares.