Indulge in a dessert that’s decadent yet Weight Watchers-friendly with these WW Ooey Gooey Bars. They’re a perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and gooey goodness, crafted with ingredients that keep the SmartPoints low. This recipe is ideal for satisfying your sweet cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (low-fat, approximately 8 full sheets)
  • 2 tablespoons light butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup sugar-free caramel sauce
  • ¼ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for a light dusting
  • Drizzle of sugar-free chocolate or caramel syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Crust

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and applesauce. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and form a sandy texture.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a flat, even crust. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup for even pressure.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract.
  2. Sprinkle the chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts evenly over the crust. Pour the milk mixture over the top, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure even coverage.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling slightly.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  1. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set fully.
  2. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 equal pieces.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 16 Bars)

  • Calories: 85
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • WW SmartPoints:
    • Green Plan: ~2 SmartPoints
    • Blue Plan: ~2 SmartPoints
    • Purple Plan: ~2 SmartPoints

Tips for Success

  1. Low-Point Graham Crackers: Use reduced-fat graham crackers to keep the points low.
  2. Customizable Add-ins: Swap the walnuts for almonds or skip them altogether to save on points.
  3. Even Spreading: Use a spatula to distribute the filling evenly for uniform baking.
  4. Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the bars firm up for easy cutting.
  5. Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars taste even better on the second day as the flavors meld together!

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy as a sweet treat after dinner.
  • Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
  • Add a small dollop of fat-free whipped topping for extra indulgence without the extra points.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Low in SmartPoints: Satisfy your dessert cravings guilt-free with just 2 SmartPoints per bar.
  2. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
  3. Customizable: Swap ingredients like nuts, chips, or coconut to suit your preferences while keeping the points low.
  4. Perfect Portioning: Small yet satisfying squares that control portion sizes without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I freeze these bars?
    Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
  2. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
    For a dairy-free or alternative option, use coconut condensed milk, but adjust the points accordingly.
  3. Are these gluten-free?
    To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers.
  4. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Absolutely! These bars taste better when they’ve had time to chill and set, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts.

Final Thoughts

These WW Ooey Gooey Bars are everything you could want in a dessert: rich, satisfying, and surprisingly low in SmartPoints. Whether you’re serving them for a family gathering or enjoying a personal treat, they’re sure to impress. Their ease of preparation and versatile nature makes them a staple for anyone on a WW journey looking to keep dessert in their lives.