Makeover Peanut Butter Bars

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

3 dozen

Updated: Oct. 12, 2022
Lighter in calories and fat, these ooey-gooey peanut butter bars are still family favorites. Try them and you'll see why! —Lori Stevens, Riverton, Utah

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups reduced-fat creamy peanut butter, divided
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • FROSTING:
  • 4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/3 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup peanut butter, butter, brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in applesauce and vanilla. Combine the flour, oats and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well (batter will be thick).
  2. Spread into a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes; spread with remaining peanut butter. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, beat frosting ingredients until light and fluffy. Spread over the peanut butter layer. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 237 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.