MAKEOVER CHOCOLATE LAYER BARS

Makeover Chocolate Layer Bars image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 40 bars.

Number Of Ingredients 21

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

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, applesauce and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition., Pour into a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in 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.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 175 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 94mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.