WW Low Point Luscious Chocolate Pumpkin Bars: A Guilt-Free Delight

Introduction

Indulging in dessert while maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel challenging, but with these WW Low Point Luscious Chocolate Pumpkin Bars, you can enjoy a rich, chocolaty treat without the guilt. These bars seamlessly blend the warm flavors of pumpkin with the decadent taste of chocolate, creating a moist and satisfying dessert that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. Packed with nutrients, low in calories, and high in flavor, these bars are ideal for snacks, desserts, or even breakfast. This detailed guide will provide you with everything you need to make these delightful bars, including measurements, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and useful tips.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup for a lower glycemic option)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup erythritol (or your preferred low-calorie sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)

For the Topping (Optional):

  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
  • Additional chocolate chips (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

  1. Grease the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are baked.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. Combine Pumpkin and Applesauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree and unsweetened applesauce. Stir until well blended.
  2. Add Sweeteners and Vanilla: Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the pumpkin mixture. Whisk until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a Separate Bowl: In another bowl, mix together the unsweetened cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, erythritol, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to break up any clumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  2. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

  1. Pour Batter into Baking Dish: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Optional Topping: If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts and additional chocolate chips on top of the batter for added texture and flavor.
  3. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bars to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

  1. Cool in the Pan: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Slice the Bars: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Plate the Bars: Serve the chocolate pumpkin bars as a healthy snack or dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
  2. Store Leftovers: Any leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage; just ensure they are well wrapped.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe yields approximately 16 servings (1 bar per serving). Each bar contains roughly:

  • Calories: 80
  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 2g

SmartPoints

For those on the Weight Watchers program, each Luscious Chocolate Pumpkin Bar is approximately 3 SmartPoints. This makes it a guilt-free treat that fits perfectly within your daily points allowance.

Tips for Success

Ingredient Substitutions

  1. Sweetener Options: Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners based on your taste preference. Stevia or monk fruit can also be used in place of erythritol, though you may need to adjust the amounts based on their sweetness levels.
  2. Flour Alternatives: If you want to keep the recipe gluten-free, almond flour or coconut flour can be substituted for the whole wheat flour. Just be aware that this may slightly change the texture.

Baking Tips

  1. Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. The bars should be firm to the touch and a toothpick should come out clean.
  2. Let Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing ensures that they hold their shape and don’t crumble.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Add a Tasty Topping: Consider serving the bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.

Conclusion

WW Low Point Luscious Chocolate Pumpkin Bars are a delectable, low-calorie dessert that satisfies sweet cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals. With their rich chocolate flavor combined with the seasonal essence of pumpkin, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and store, they make for a wonderful addition to your meal prep or a sweet treat to share with family and friends. Enjoy these guilt-free bars and embrace the delightful fusion of flavors they offer!