Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending over the edges of the pan; lightly coat with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan combine brown sugar and butter, heat and stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Stir in applesauce, eggs, and vanilla.
In a medium bowl combine the flours, baking powder, the 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the baking soda. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture; stir to combine. Stir in 1/2 cup of pecans.
Spread mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with crushed potato chips. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, in a 1-cup glass measure combine caramels and milk.Microwave on 50 percent power (medium) 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Drizzle melted caramel mixture over cooled blondies; quickly sprinkle with the sea salt and remaining pecans.
Using the edges of the parchment, lift the uncut blondies out of the pan. Cut into bars and serve.