- 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan.
- Melt chocolate in the microwave or in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth. Remove from heat, and let cool.
- Cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring constantly until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce, melted chocolate and vanilla. Add to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; gradually stir into the batter. Fold in chopped walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan before cutting.