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Makeover Peanut Butter Bars

10 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
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
Makeover Peanut Butter Bars
Makeover Peanut Butter Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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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.