Oatmeal Brownie Bars

a "makeover" recipe from ToH

1/3 cup butter-softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup sugar blend for baking (ie splenda)
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup applesauce (recipe said unsweet but I used cinnamon)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1cup all purpose flour
1cup quick cooking oats
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup nuts (if desired-I left them out)

FROSTING
1/3 cup butter-cubed
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup fat free milk (I used 2%)
2 cups confectioner's sugar

In large bowl beat the butter and sugars until well combined----beat in the eggs,buttermilk,applesauce and vanilla---in separate bowl combine the flour,oats,cocoa,baking powder and salt----slowly add to the butter mixture being sure to mix well--STIR in the nuts if desired--

spread batter into a 15x10" pan coated with cooking spray----bake at 350* for about 25 mins or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean--cool completely

For frosting----In a small saucepan melt the butter---whisk in cocoa and milk until smooth---bring to a boil--remove from the heat and whisk in the confectioner's sugar--whisk/stir until smooth--immediately spread over the bars-let stand until frosting is set--cut into squares

THESE ARE DELICIOUS!