Mix the shortening with the packed brown sugar.
Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Stir the dry ingredients into the shortening mixture, then add the rolled oats.
Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 13 × 9-inch pan.
Spread the applesauce evenly over the mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining mixture over the applesauce.
Bake at 400 degrees for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Be careful—whole pans of these bars have been known to disappear upon completion.