Ingredients:
 
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sliced almonds
 
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is warming up, coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, using an electric beater on medium speed to beat the butter, sugar, applesauce, egg, and vanilla until all ingredients are mixed together.

Slowly beat in the cocoa and flour until combined well. Pour the batter into the baking dish and top with the almonds.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.