We’ve all been working so hard at being healthy this New Year’s season {and great job, folks!!} So, I thought you might be ready for a “skinny” treat from our friend Gina over at SkinnyTaste…
I’m known a little bit for being a baker at work… which is crazy considering how seldom I actually bake. But, when I do… I bring the treats to work to get them out of my house to share them with my lovely co-workers.
I have to say, I’ve seen these bars MANY times at Starbucks and never considered ordering one. Now that I’ve tried the lightened up version of this treat… I’m obsessed and want one every time I see them in the glass case. Thank goodness for drive-thrus!
PS… I also used this recipe to CHRISTEN my new KitchenAid Mixer… Isn’t she beautiful??? (Here is where I got the super-cute decals, BTW!)
Without further ado… here is this fabulous recipe. Wait until you try them!!!
Skinny Cranberry Bliss Bars
From Skinnytaste
Serves 30
INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar, unpacked
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
For the Frosting:
8 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 oz. white baking chocolate, melted*
1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch non-stick baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and stir to blend.
3. In another bowl, whisk the sugars with the butter, egg whites, applesauce and vanilla until light and fluffy.
4. Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two additions until the batter is very well blended. If the batter looks more “crumbly” than smooth, add just a drop of water at a time (ONLY if needed) until it smooths out.
5. Fold in white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup cranberries.
6. Spread batter onto the baking pan using the back of a measuring cup to smooth evenly.
7. Bake 10 – 14 minutes, until the edges are light brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don’t over-bake or your bars will be dry. Let it cool completely on wire rack.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting; in a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until well-blended. Frost bars and sprinkle with remaining cranberries.
9. Drizzle with the melted white chocolate. Note: To melt the chocolate, place in a microwave safe cup and heat 15 seconds; stir. Another 15 seconds; stir until the chocolate is melted.
10. When the chocolate sets, cut into 15 large squares (5 cuts by 3 cuts with the knife). Then cut each square in half diagonally to create triangles.
11. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Per one bar serving:
CAL 149; CARB 24g; FAT 5g; PROT 2g; FIB 0g; WW Points Plus 4