Pour filling on top of oat mixture. Spread evenly over oat mixture.
Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over applesauce.
Bake in a preheated 325° oven for 40 - 45 minutes.
Allow bars to fully cool before slicing into 12 equal pieces.
Notes
Tips for making
Use salted butter that is softened. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily on a slice of bread
Use old fashioned oats, which are a bit thicker than a quick oat.
Some people prefer not quite as much applesauce filling. You can use 1 ½ cups instead of the 2 cups.
Allow bars to cool before slicing
Store any leftover bars in a covered container
If you don't have a food processor:
First, you can place the crust ingredients in a bowl and mix using a mixer with beaters. Make certain the butter is very soft, but not melted.
Second you could mix with your hands. Place ingredients in a bowl and use your hands or your fingers to mix. This may be a bit messy, but your hands are really a great kitchen tool. Simply use your fingers to mash butter into the flour and oat mixture.