Healthy Spiced Pumpkin Delight Bars with Creamy Frosting
Indulge in the seasonal flavors of fall with these Healthy Spiced Pumpkin Delight Bars! Perfectly moist and delicious, these bars are made without any added oil, keeping them light yet satisfying. Packed with the goodness of whole grain wheat flour and a reduced sugar content, you can enjoy these guilt-free. Each bar boasts a delicious balance of pumpkin and warming spices, topped with a creamy reduced-fat frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness. With only 135 calories per serving (or 77 calories without frosting), you can relish in a generous slice of comfort that won’t derail your healthy eating plan. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a tasty treat to share with loved ones, these pumpkin bars are sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg substitute
1 cup (or egg whites to equal 1 cup)
granulated Splenda
1 cup (measured)
sugar
2/3 cup (measured)
unsweetened applesauce
1 cup (measured)
canned pumpkin
15 ounces (one can)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (measured)
wheat flour
1/2 cup (measured)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (measured)
pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (measured)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
reduced-fat cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (measured)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
skim milk
1-2 teaspoons (adjust as needed)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Healthy Spiced Pumpkin Delight Bars?
They are light, moist fall-themed dessert bars made with pumpkin, warming spices, and a creamy reduced-fat frosting.
Are these pumpkin bars low in calories?
Yes, they are designed to be a guilt-free treat with only 135 calories per serving when frosted.
How many calories are in a bar without the frosting?
If you choose to serve these bars without the frosting, they contain only 77 calories per serving.
Does this recipe contain any oil?
No, this recipe is made without any added oil to keep the bars light and healthy.
What is used as a substitute for oil in these bars?
Unsweetened applesauce is used to maintain moisture and texture without the need for added oil.
Is this recipe entirely sugar-free?
No, it uses a combination of 1 cup of granulated Splenda and 2/3 cup of regular sugar to reduce the overall sugar content.
What kind of flour is used in these pumpkin bars?
The recipe uses a healthy mix of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of whole grain wheat flour.
Can I use egg whites instead of egg substitute?
Yes, the recipe specifies you can use 1 cup of egg whites as an alternative to the egg substitute.
What type of pumpkin should I buy?
You will need one 15-ounce can of canned pumpkin for this recipe.
What spices are used to flavor the bars?
The warm seasonal flavor comes from a combination of ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are a total of 17 ingredients, including those for both the bars and the frosting.
What kind of cream cheese is used for the frosting?
The frosting uses 3 ounces of softened reduced-fat cream cheese to keep the fat content lower.
How do I adjust the consistency of the frosting?
You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of skim milk to the frosting mixture, adjusting as needed to reach your desired thickness.
Does the frosting contain butter?
Yes, the frosting includes 2 tablespoons of softened butter for a creamy taste.
What provides the sweetness in the frosting?
The frosting is sweetened with 2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
Is there vanilla in the frosting?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the frosting for extra flavor.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Are these bars considered whole grain?
They are partially whole grain as they include 1/2 cup of wheat flour.
Are these pumpkin bars suitable for potlucks?
Yes, they are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or as a tasty treat to share with friends and family.
Is there salt in the batter?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much pumpkin pie spice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
Can I use whole milk for the frosting?
While the recipe calls for skim milk, you can use whole milk, though it may slightly change the nutritional profile.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened before mixing to ensure a smooth frosting.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
There are 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in the bar batter.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Absolutely, it is specifically crafted to celebrate the seasonal flavors of fall.
What type of Splenda is required?
The recipe calls for granulated Splenda, measured to 1 cup.
Are these bars moist?
Yes, the combination of canned pumpkin and unsweetened applesauce ensures the bars are perfectly moist.
How much butter is in the frosting?
There are 2 tablespoons of softened butter used in the frosting recipe.
What is the category of this dish?
These are classified as healthy dessert bars or bar cookies.
Can I make these without a healthy eating plan?
Yes, they are a delicious treat that anyone can enjoy regardless of their dietary focus.