Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Bars
Ingredients

  • 1 premade graham cracker crust: 24 points (or use a reduced-fat crust to lower points)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice: 0 points
  • 3 large eggs: 0 points
  • 1 large egg yolk: 1 point
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar: 12 points
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest: 0 points
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature: 36 points (or use light butter or a butter substitute to reduce points)
  • Whipped cream for serving: 1 point per 2 tablespoons

Total Points for the Entire Recipe: 73 points
Points per Serving (16 servings): 4.5 points
Points per Serving (12 servings): 6 points

Preparation

  1. Prepare the Lemon Mixture:
    • In a small saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, eggs, egg yolk, and granulated sugar.
    • Place the pan over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture reaches 180°F and starts to thicken.
  2. Cool and Add Lemon Zest:
    • Remove from heat and stir for 1-2 minutes to bring down the temperature. Stir in the lemon zest.
  3. Blend with Butter:
    • Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend and slowly add the butter, one tablespoon at a time, until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Fill the Crust:
    • Pour the lemon filling into the premade graham cracker crust.
  5. Chill:
    • Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until set.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream (1 point per 2 tablespoons) or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream (approximately 2-3 points per 1/2 cup).

Tips:

  • Reduced-Fat Crust: Using a reduced-fat graham cracker crust or making a homemade low-point crust can help lower the overall points.
  • Butter Substitute: To reduce points further, consider using light butter or a butter substitute that has fewer points.
  • Portion Control: Keep portion sizes in check to stay within your points. Cutting into smaller squares can help.

Benefits:

  • Bright and Refreshing: Lemon bars offer a tangy and refreshing flavor, perfect for a light dessert.
  • Versatile: You can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking, and use lower-point substitutes to fit your plan.
  • Satisfying: Despite being a dessert, lemon bars can be a relatively low-point option if you manage portion sizes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 16 servings)

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 20g

These Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Bars can be a delightful treat that fits into your points plan, offering a zesty and satisfying dessert option!