Weight Watchers Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers (choose a lower SmartPoints option)
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or a butter substitute

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol or monk fruit)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Topping:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar substitute
  • Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Crust:
    • In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lined or greased baking dish.
  3. Bake the Crust:
    • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine softened reduced-fat cream cheese, non-fat Greek yogurt, powdered sugar substitute, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  5. Spread the Cream Cheese Layer:
    • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  6. Prepare the Lemon Topping:
    • In a small saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, water, cornstarch, and powdered sugar substitute. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
  7. Spread the Lemon Topping:
    • Once thickened, pour the lemon topping over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours or until set. Cut into bars before serving.
  9. Garnish (Optional):
    • Garnish with lemon zest if desired.
  10. approximately 4-5 points per bar,

Weight Watchers Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars

Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of lemon and cream cheese with these guilt-free dessert bars that are perfect for those on the Weight Watchers plan. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese layer infused with lemon zest and juice, and a tangy lemon topping, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your wellness goals.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers (choose a lower SmartPoints option)
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or a butter substitute

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol or monk fruit)
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Topping:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar substitute
  • Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing lightly.

Prepare the Crust:

  1. In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  2. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

Bake the Crust:

  1. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
  2. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened reduced-fat cream cheese, non-fat Greek yogurt, powdered sugar substitute, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  2. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Spread the Cream Cheese Layer:

  1. Once the crust has cooled, spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the crust using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Ensure the layer is smooth and reaches the edges of the crust.

Prepare the Lemon Topping:

  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, water, cornstarch, and powdered sugar substitute until the cornstarch is dissolved.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.

Spread the Lemon Topping:

  1. Once thickened, pour the lemon topping evenly over the cream cheese layer, using a spatula to spread it out to the edges.

Chill and Serve:

  1. Refrigerate the dessert bars for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set and firm.
  2. Once set, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.

Garnish (Optional):

  1. Before serving, garnish the bars with additional lemon zest for a pop of color and extra citrus flavor if desired.

Additional Tips:

  • Storage: Store leftover dessert bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
  • Variations: Experiment with different citrus flavors by using lime or orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a refreshing twist.
  • Sweeteners: Choose your preferred powdered sugar substitute based on your dietary needs and taste preferences, ensuring it is suitable for baking.

Nutrition Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5g

Conclusion:
Enjoy the refreshing and creamy flavors of these Lemony Cream Cheese Dessert Bars, perfect for any occasion and ideal for those following the Weight Watchers program. Whether as a light dessert after dinner or a sweet treat for gatherings, these bars are sure to impress with their tangy lemon zest and creamy texture.