Healthy Blueberry Cocoa Delight Bars
Indulge in these decadent yet wholesome Healthy Blueberry Cocoa Delight Bars, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. The combination of fresh or frozen blueberries and rich cocoa creates a delightful balance of flavors that elevates these bars from typical brownies. Made with whole grains and applesauce, these bars offer a moist and fudgy texture while being low in fat. Whether enjoyed as a mid-afternoon snack or a guilt-free dessert, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends with their delicious taste and the health benefits of blueberries.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Applesauce
1 cup (unsweetened)
Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 cup (sifted)
Unbleached White Flour
1/4 cup (sifted)
Cocoa Powder
1/3 cup (unsweetened)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Chopped Walnuts
1/3 cup (optional)
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder until fully combined.
4
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5
Fold in the chopped walnuts and blueberries gently, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
6
Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center feels firm to the touch and is no longer sticky.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9
Once cooled, slice into 16 even squares and enjoy your Healthy Blueberry Cocoa Delight Bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Healthy Blueberry Cocoa Delight Bars?
Healthy Blueberry Cocoa Delight Bars are a decadent yet wholesome dessert that balances the flavors of blueberries and cocoa, offering a moist and fudgy texture while remaining low in fat.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the bars.
What size baking pan is recommended?
An 8-inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly spray the 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
What ingredients are included in the wet mixture?
The wet mixture consists of unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract.
What dry ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The dry ingredients include sifted whole wheat flour, sifted unbleached white flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
Can I use frozen blueberries for these bars?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe.
Are fresh blueberries suitable for this recipe?
Yes, fresh blueberries work perfectly to provide a delightful balance of flavors.
What is the main fat substitute used in these bars?
Unsweetened applesauce is used as a fat substitute to give the bars a moist, fudgy texture without the added fat.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe calls for both the whole wheat flour and the unbleached white flour to be sifted.
Are these bars considered a low-fat dessert?
Yes, these bars are described as a low-fat snack or dessert option.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 16 even squares.
How long should the Healthy Blueberry Cocoa Delight Bars bake?
The bars should bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the center feels firm to the touch and is no longer sticky.
Should the bars cool in the pan?
Yes, once removed from the oven, they should cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Are the walnuts required in this recipe?
No, the chopped walnuts are an optional ingredient for added nutty goodness.
What type of cocoa powder should be used?
The recipe specifies using unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Do these bars contain whole grains?
Yes, the recipe uses whole wheat flour, making them a whole grain dessert option.
Should I use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce?
You should use 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce for this recipe.
What is the texture of these bars like?
These bars have a moist and fudgy texture similar to brownies.
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Create a well in the center of the whisked dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture, then stir gently until just combined.
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
The recipe advises to stir gently until just combined and to be careful not to overmix to maintain the proper texture.
Is this a good recipe for a healthy treat?
Yes, it is designed as a guilt-free dessert that allows you to satisfy a sweet tooth with healthy ingredients like blueberries and whole grains.
What flours are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of whole wheat flour and unbleached white flour.
What type of sugar is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Is pure vanilla extract recommended?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is used for flavor.
What equipment is needed for cooling?
A wire rack is recommended for cooling the pan completely.
Can these be eaten as a mid-afternoon snack?
Yes, they are perfect as either a mid-afternoon snack or a dessert.
Does this recipe use leavening agents?
Yes, the recipe includes both 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is simple to follow and prepare.