CROCKPOT CHOCOLATE APPLE CAKE

6 tbsp butter

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c brown sugar

1 c unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 eggs

4 (1 oz) sq unsweetened chocolate, melted

1 1/2 c flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

1/3 c buttermilk

3/4 c semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 c chopped pecans

Confectioner's sugar

In a large bowl, beat together butter & sugars w/a mixer on HIGH speed 1-2 minutes, or until fluffy. Beat in applesauce, cinnamon, vanilla & eggs until well mixed. Beat in melted chocolate until blended. Add flour, baking soda & powder, & salt. With mixer on LOW speed, beat in dry ingredients, adding buttermilk as you beat. Beat just until evenly mixed. By hand stir in chocolate chips & pecans. Scrape the

batter into a WELL BUTTERED 3 1/2 quart crockpot & smooth top. Cover & cook on the HIGH setting 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hrs, or until a cake tester (toothpick) inserted in the center comes out clean. (Do not cook on the low heat setting for a longer time) Remove lid & let cake stand in crockpot until just barely warm. To unmold: Run a sharp knife around the inside edges of the crockpot & w/a large spatula, carefully lift out the cake in one piece. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar over top & cut into wedges to serve.