Weight Watchers-Friendly Cookies & Cream Blue Velvet Oreo Brownies
Ingredients:
For the Blue Velvet Brownies:
- 1/2 cup light butter (Use light butter to reduce points; 8 points for 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup sugar substitute (e.g., Stevia, Splenda) (0 points)
- 2 large eggs (0 points)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (0 points)
- 1 tablespoon blue food coloring gel (0 points)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (11 points)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (1 point)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (0 points)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (0 points)
- 1/2 cup crushed reduced-fat Oreo cookies (8 points)
For the Cookies & Cream Topping:
- 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (8 points)
- 1/4 cup sugar substitute (0 points)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (0 points)
- 1/2 cup crushed reduced-fat Oreo cookies (8 points)
- 1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping (Use fat-free whipped topping instead of heavy cream; 1 point)
For Garnish (optional):
- Extra crushed reduced-fat Oreo cookies (optional, count points as needed)
- Fat-free whipped topping (optional, 1 point for a dollop)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Blue Velvet Brownies:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the light butter over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Stir in the sugar substitute, then beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and blue food coloring gel.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed reduced-fat Oreo cookies.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the topping.
- Prepare the Cookies & Cream Topping:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened reduced-fat cream cheese with the sugar substitute and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in the crushed reduced-fat Oreo cookies.
- In a separate bowl, fold the fat-free whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Assemble the Brownies:
- Spread the cookies and cream topping evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Garnish with extra crushed reduced-fat Oreo cookies and a dollop of fat-free whipped topping if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice the brownies and enjoy the rich combination of blue velvet, Oreo cookies, and cookies and cream!
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 16 servings):
- Calories: ~130 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Points: ~4 points per serving (depending on specific brands and portions used)
Tips:
- Lightened Ingredients: Using reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar substitutes, and light butter significantly reduces the calorie and point count while still delivering a delicious treat.
- Portion Control: Cut the brownies into small squares to keep portions in check, making it easier to manage points.
- Make-Ahead: These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient dessert option.
- Garnish Wisely: Optional garnishes can add extra points, so consider using a light touch or skipping them if you’re looking to keep the points low.
Benefits:
- Lower in Points: This version is designed to be Weight Watchers-friendly, making it a great dessert option for those tracking their points.
- Reduced Sugar: The use of sugar substitutes lowers the sugar content, making these brownies a better choice for those watching their sugar intake.
- Satisfying Flavor: Despite being lightened up, these brownies still offer a rich, indulgent taste with the combination of blue velvet and cookies & cream.
These Weight Watchers-friendly Cookies & Cream Blue Velvet Oreo Brownies offer a delicious, indulgent taste with fewer points, making them a perfect treat that fits into your plan!