Strawberry Bliss Bars

Strawberry Bliss Bars: A Weight Watchers Low Point Recipe

Introduction

Indulging in a sweet treat while adhering to your Weight Watchers plan doesn’t have to be a challenge. These Strawberry Bliss Bars are a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction. Made with fresh strawberries and wholesome ingredients, these bars are low in points and high in taste, making them a fantastic option for snacks, desserts, or even breakfast. Let’s explore this delightful recipe in detail, providing step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and tips to ensure your Strawberry Bliss Bars turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup almond flour (approximately 10 points)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (such as erythritol or your preferred zero-calorie sweetener) (approximately 0 points)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (approximately 4 points)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (approximately 0 points)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (approximately 0 points)

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (approximately 0 points)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (approximately 1 point)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (approximately 3 points)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (approximately 0 points)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (approximately 0 points)

Total SmartPoints

  • Total Points for Entire Recipe: Approximately 18 points.
  • Per Serving: If you cut the bars into 12 servings, each serving is approximately 1.5 points.

Equipment Needed

  1. 9×9-inch baking dish: For baking the bars.
  2. Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
  3. Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
  4. Spatula or wooden spoon: For mixing.
  5. Parchment paper: For easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish (Approx. 5 minutes)

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
  2. Line the Baking Dish: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your 9×9-inch baking dish. Leave some overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out once they are baked.

Step 2: Make the Crust (Approx. 10 minutes)

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sweetener, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures even sweetness throughout the crust.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
  3. Press into the Baking Dish: Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your fingers, press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to form a compact layer. This will create a sturdy base for your bars.

Step 3: Bake the Crust (Approx. 10 minutes)

  1. Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. This step sets the crust and prepares it for the strawberry filling.
  2. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling (Approx. 10 minutes)

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, add 2 cups of hulled and sliced fresh strawberries. You can also use frozen strawberries, but ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture.
  2. Mix Filling Ingredients: To the strawberries, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently toss the strawberries until they are well coated in the mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars (Approx. 5 minutes)

  1. Add Filling to Crust: Pour the strawberry filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures that every bite has a delicious burst of strawberry flavor.
  2. Optional Topping: For added texture, you can sprinkle a few additional sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of almond flour on top before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Bars (Approx. 25 minutes)

  1. Bake the Strawberry Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
  2. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. This step is crucial for setting the filling.

Step 7: Slice and Serve (Approx. 10 minutes)

  1. Lift Out of the Dish: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board.
  2. Slice into Squares: Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares. For neat cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
  3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Strawberry Bliss Bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 100
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • SmartPoints: 1.5 points

Tips for Success

  • Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries in season. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and well-drained.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness according to your preference. You can taste the filling before baking and add more honey or sweetener if desired.
  • Texture Variations: For a crunchier crust, you can add a handful of crushed nuts or oats to the almond flour mixture.

Variations

  • Berry Bliss: Substitute strawberries with other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of all three for a Berry Bliss version.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars for an added touch of decadence.
  • Vegan Option: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based sweetener to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Bliss Bars are not just a treat; they are a wholesome dessert that aligns perfectly with your Weight Watchers journey. With their deliciously sweet and fruity filling and a satisfying crust, these bars provide a guilt-free way to indulge. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy the delightful taste of strawberries while staying on track with your wellness goals!