Decadent Light Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of these Decadent Light Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! This delightful recipe combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the health-conscious twist of reduced sugar and added pumpkin for moisture and nutrition. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that won't compromise your wellness goals. With just a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture, they're sure to satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping the calorie count down. Enjoy a guilt-free treat that the whole family can love!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-sugar yellow cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) box (No preparation needed)
Egg Beaters egg substitute
1/2 cup ((equivalent to 4 egg whites))
Brown sugar substitute
1/2 cup (or use white sugar substitute)
Canned pumpkin
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Mini chocolate chips
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the reduced-sugar yellow cake mix, Egg Beaters, brown sugar substitute, canned pumpkin, mini chocolate chips, and vanilla extract.
3
Mix the ingredients together until well combined and the batter is smooth.
4
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free cookie bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Light Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
They are a health-conscious dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate chip cookies with reduced sugar and pumpkin for added moisture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of cake mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 18.24 ounce box of reduced-sugar yellow cake mix.
Can I use real eggs instead of Egg Beaters?
Yes, you can use 4 egg whites as an equivalent to the 1/2 cup of Egg Beaters.
What kind of sugar substitute should I use?
You can use a brown sugar substitute or a white sugar substitute.
Why is canned pumpkin included in the recipe?
Canned pumpkin is used to add moisture and nutrition while keeping the bars light and chewy.
What size baking pan is needed for these bars?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is required.
How long do the cookie bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
They are done when the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, grease the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
How much vanilla extract is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What type of chocolate chips are best for this recipe?
Mini chocolate chips are recommended for even distribution throughout the bars.
Can I use regular yellow cake mix instead of reduced-sugar?
Yes, though it will increase the sugar and calorie content of the final dessert.
Are these cookie bars considered a guilt-free treat?
Yes, they are designed to satisfy sweet cravings with lower calories and reduced sugar.
How should I prepare the ingredients?
Simply combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until the batter is smooth.
Should I let the bars cool before cutting them?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts?
Yes, you can customize the bars by adding nuts or other mix-ins if desired.
Do these bars have a strong pumpkin flavor?
No, the pumpkin mainly provides moisture and texture, allowing the chocolate and vanilla flavors to shine.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 6 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to share at gatherings.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can these bars be frozen for later?
Yes, you can freeze the cut bars in a sealed container for longer storage.
What makes these bars 'light'?
The use of sugar substitutes, egg substitutes, and pumpkin instead of heavy oils or butter makes them lighter.
Can I use parchment paper for the pan?
Yes, using parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the bars from the pan.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a very simple recipe that involves basic mixing and baking steps.
How much brown sugar substitute is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar substitute.
What is the texture of these bars?
They have a rich, gooey, and chewy texture.
Are these bars suitable for a reduced-sugar diet?
Yes, they are specifically formulated for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
What is the preparation time like?
The preparation is quick, involving only a single bowl to mix all ingredients before baking.