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Makeover Chocolate Layer Bars

Makeover Chocolate Layer Bars
Our makeover recipe boasts all the delicious decadent flavor of Anita Nickless' original bars but with 38 percent less fat and 75 fewer calories each. Now friends and family in Platte City, Missouri can enjoy them guilt-free! Healthy Cooking Test Kitchen
40 ServingsPrep: 35 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • CREAMY LAYER:
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup reduced-fat butter, softened
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fat-free milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • FROSTING:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/3 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat
  • in the eggs, applesauce and vanilla until well blended. Combine the
© Taste of Home 2013

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Makeover Chocolate Layer Bars (continued)

Directions (continued)

  • flour, cocoa and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately
  • with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
  • Pour into a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking
  • spray. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick
  • inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire
  • rack.
  • For creamy layer, in a small bowl, beat the butters, confectioners'
  • sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Spread over
  • top of cake.
  • For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, butter,
  • milk and cocoa. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring
  • frequently; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat;
  • stir in chocolate chips until melted.
  • With a hand mixer, beat frosting for 2-4 minutes or until thickened.
  • Gently spread over the top. Store in the refrigerator.
  • Yield: 40 bars.
Nutrition Facts: 1 bar equals 175 calories, 8 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 27 mg cholesterol, 94 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
© Taste of Home 2013