Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake

(makes about 24 squares, serves 6 as dessert)

½ cup oil
2 eggs
1½ cups sugar
2 cups flour
1½ cups applesauce
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp baking soda
3 tblsp unsweetened cocoa

Topping:
1 cup chocolate chips
2 tblsp sugar

Method:

Mix oil, sugar and eggs with a wooden spoon in a large bowl. Add all the other ingredients except those for the topping, and mix until blended. Pour into a 9x13 inch greased pan. Sprinkle on the topping, then bake at about 350F for 35-40 mins. When ready, the cake will be firm but not burned and the topping will make a light sugary crust. When cool, cut into squares.

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A simple dessert which can be mixed in a few minutes. As all the measurements are in American cups, it's simple for a child to make. If you don't have a set of measuring cups, you can approximate with any mug or glass that holds 8 fluid ounces of liquid.

I was given this recipe by a friend in Chicago, and have used it frequently, in the USA, UK and Cyprus. It's fairly low in fat, other than the chocolate chips. It can be eaten alone as cake, or with thick yogurt or ice cream as a dessert. Freezes well.