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Enjoying a delicious dessert without the guilt has never been easier with these Lightened Up Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars.
This recipe offers the same irresistible flavor as Paula Deen’s famous version, but with a healthier twist.
Imagine enjoying a big bar of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake that’s just as delectable, but lightened up to fit your healthier lifestyle.
These bars are perfect for those on Weight Watchers, making them the ideal Weight Watchers Dessert. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert for a summer dessert party or simply craving a slice of ooey gooey cake, this butter cake gooey treat has got you covered. You are going to enjoy the luscious taste and creamy texture you love, all while keeping it healthier!
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Swerve Powdered Sugar Substitute
Pillsbury No Sugar Yellow Cake Mix
PIN FOR LATER
Lightened Up Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars: The Perfect Weight Watchers Dessert
Imagine sinking your teeth into these Lightened Up Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars for the first time.
The bottom layer is rich and buttery, made from a lightened-up box cake mix, providing a sturdy yet soft base. The magic happens in the gooey center – it’s creamy, sweet, and melts in your mouth with each bite. The top layer bakes to a slightly crisp, golden perfection, adding a delightful texture contrast.
If you’ve never had Butter Cake before, prepare yourself for a decadent experience that’s now a bit healthier. This treat offers a luscious blend of buttery flavor and smooth, gooey goodness, making it an ideal healthy dessert for any occasion, especially as a refreshing summer dessert.
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Lightened Up Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars | Summer Dessert | Healthy Dessert
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 Box Pillsbury No Sugar Moist Supreme Yellow Cake Mix
- 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1 Large Egg
- Cooking Spray
For the Ooey Gooey Filling
- 8 oz Reduced Fat Cream Cheese, Softened
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1.5 Cups Swerve Powdered Sugar Substitute
- 1/4 Cup Light Butter, Melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix the light yellow cake mix, unsweetened applesauce, and one egg until combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. The dough will be thick and sticky, so you might need to use a spatula or your hands (lightly sprayed with cooking spray) to press it down.
- In a large bowl, beat the reduced-fat cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar substitute) and mix until fully incorporated. Pour in the melted light butter and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (it will still be a bit gooey). Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!
- This makes 12 Bars. On WW, each bar is 6 WW Points. Enjoy!
FAQs About Lightened-Up Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars
- What makes this recipe lighter than the traditional version? This recipe uses reduced-fat cream cheese, light butter, and unsweetened applesauce to cut down on calories and fat while maintaining the delicious flavor and texture.
- Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can use a different flavor of cake mix, but a light yellow cake mix is recommended for the best results.
- Can I use full-fat cream cheese instead? Yes, you can use full-fat cream cheese, but it will increase the calorie and fat content of the bars. It will also increase the WW Points too.
- Is there a sugar substitute I can use? Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Swerve to reduce the sugar content.
- How should I store these bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- What if I don’t have unsweetened applesauce? You can use mashed bananas or Greek yogurt as a substitute, though it might slightly change the flavor and texture.
- Can I add any toppings or mix-ins? Yes, you can add toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate. Just be mindful that this may alter the nutritional content.
- How many bars does this recipe make? This recipe makes approximately 12 bars.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Is this recipe suitable for people with diabetes? Using a sugar substitute like Swerve can make this recipe more suitable for people with diabetes, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? You can try using vegan substitutes for the cream cheese, butter, and eggs, but the texture and flavor may differ from the original recipe.
These Lightened Up Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bars are the perfect blend of indulgence and health-conscious baking. With their rich, buttery flavor and gooey texture, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your diet on track.
Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer party or a cozy night in, these bars are a must-try. Don’t miss out on enjoying a delicious, healthier dessert that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below! If you have any questions or tips, feel free to share them as well. Happy baking!
