Introduction:

Pumpkin is the quintessential fall flavor, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a Weight Watchers Pumpkin Bars recipe. These bars are not only bursting with the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices, but they also keep the SmartPoints low, making them a perfect choice for those following the Weight Watchers program or anyone looking for a healthier dessert or snack. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a cozy evening at home, or simply craving something sweet, these WW Pumpkin Bars are the ideal solution.

The great thing about these bars is that they combine the comfort of a homemade dessert with the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a healthier choice. Low in fat, rich in fiber, and packed with essential nutrients, these Pumpkin Bars are a great way to indulge without derailing your diet. They’re versatile, easy to make, and can be enjoyed by anyone—whether or not they’re following Weight Watchers.

In this recipe, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the most delicious and satisfying Weight Watchers Pumpkin Bars that are low in SmartPoints but high in flavor. From the ingredients and instructions to the nutritional breakdown and SmartPoints calculations, you’ll find all the information you need to create this fall-inspired treat.

Ingredients:

To make the perfect batch of WW Pumpkin Bars, you’ll need a combination of basic pantry ingredients that come together to form a soft, moist, and flavorful dessert. Here’s everything you need to get started:

For the Pumpkin Bars:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (ensure it is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars)
  • 2 large eggs (for binding the ingredients and adding protein)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (helps keep the bars moist while lowering fat content)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour (this low-carb flour is perfect for keeping the recipe keto-friendly and low in SmartPoints)
  • 1/2 cup oat flour (provides some fiber and helps create the perfect texture in the bars)
  • 1/4 cup granulated erythritol (a great sugar substitute that doesn’t impact your blood sugar levels)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adds warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the bars)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (adds a gentle kick of spice to complement the other flavors)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps the bars rise and become fluffy)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a must-have for that delicious aroma and flavor)

For the Frosting (Optional but Recommended):

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (adds a creamy texture and richness to the frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice to thin the frosting to your desired consistency)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol (another sugar substitute for the frosting that keeps it low in carbs)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (to flavor the frosting and enhance its sweetness)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Before you begin mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your oven is at the right temperature by the time the batter is ready to go in. While the oven is heating up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking. You can also use a silicone baking pan for easier removal once they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a hand whisk or an electric mixer to blend these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-combined. The pumpkin will serve as the base of the bars, and the applesauce helps keep the texture moist without adding unnecessary fat.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup oat flour, 1/4 cup erythritol, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir these together until evenly mixed. The dry ingredients will provide the structure and flavor for the bars, with the almond flour adding a light, nutty texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix them together with a spatula or spoon until everything is well incorporated, forming a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the bars dense. The batter should be thick but still spreadable.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, making sure it reaches all the corners. Smooth the top for an even bake.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, but be sure to check the bars towards the end of the baking time. The bars should be firm and golden on top.

Step 7: Cool the Bars

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and make them easier to cut.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting (Optional)

While the bars are cooling, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk, 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more almond milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the bars using a spatula. Once the frosting is applied, cut the bars into 12 equal squares. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for an added touch of flavor and decoration. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Each serving of these Weight Watchers Pumpkin Bars is low in calories, making them a great choice for those keeping track of their food intake.

  • Calories: 95 kcal (without frosting)
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 8g
  • Protein: 2g

With Frosting (Optional):

  • Calories: 118 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 8g
  • Protein: 3g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints (Per Serving):

This recipe is designed to be a low-SmartPoints option for those following the WW program.

  • SmartPoints (Green, Blue, Purple): 4 SmartPoints per serving (without frosting)
  • SmartPoints (Green, Blue, Purple): 5 SmartPoints per serving (with frosting)

These SmartPoints are calculated based on the ingredients used in the recipe, with the frosting adding a small amount of additional points.

Tips and Variations:

  1. Flour Substitutes: If you prefer a different flour for the base, you can substitute almond flour with coconut flour, but be mindful of the texture and adjust the amount of liquid accordingly. Coconut flour tends to absorb more moisture, so you might need to add a bit more liquid to the batter.
  2. Make It Vegan: If you want to make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). This will still provide the necessary binding effect and keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
  3. More Spice: If you love spices, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an extra layer of flavor. You can also adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts to suit your taste.
  4. Add-ins: For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They provide a nice crunch and pair wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor. Chocolate chips are also a popular addition, but keep in mind they will increase the SmartPoints.
  5. Storage: These pumpkin bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months if you’d like to make them ahead of time. Just be sure to frost them after they’ve thawed for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love These Weight Watchers Pumpkin Bars:

  1. Perfect for Fall: The warm spices and pumpkin flavor make these bars a seasonal favorite, perfect for cozy fall days or holiday gatherings.
  2. Low SmartPoints: With just 4 SmartPoints per serving (without frosting), these bars are a guilt-free way to enjoy dessert while sticking to your Weight Watchers goals.
  3. Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with fiber and protein, these bars are filling and will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your progress.
  4. Customizable: You can make these bars your own by adjusting the spices, adding nuts, or changing up the frosting. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion:

These Weight Watchers Pumpkin Bars are the perfect blend of healthy, low SmartPoints, and deliciously comforting flavors. With just the right amount of sweetness, spices, and pumpkin, these bars make for a fantastic fall treat that everyone will love. They’re easy to make, nutritious, and customizable, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a satisfying, healthier way to indulge in the flavors of autumn!