Sugar Cookie Bars with Strawberry Frosting (Lightened Up!)
User Reviews
4.9
Sugar Cookie Bars with Strawberry Frosting (Lightened Up!)
Description
These Sugar Cookie Bars with Strawberry Frosting feature a dough made from a blend of butter, light brown sugar, granulated sweetener, vanilla, egg, applesauce, all-purpose flour, and vanilla protein powder, baked in an 8x8 inch pan until the center is set. After cooling and chilling, the bars are topped with whipped strawberry frosting and optionally decorated with sprinkles. The applesauce and protein powder help lighten the texture, while the whipped frosting adds a smooth, fruity topping.
The bars have a soft and slightly chewy texture, featuring subtle sweetness and vanilla notes, balanced by the strawberry frosting's flavor. Chilling the bars before frosting helps solidify their texture for cleaner slicing.
For best results, allow the bars to rest overnight chilled, which allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set fully. They are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1/4 cup butter room temperature, light, 2 Tbsp, 84g
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Swerve brand, 48g
- 1/4 cup granular sweetener Swerve brand, 48g
- 2 tsp vanilla extract pure
- 1 egg large
- 1/2 cup applesauce unsweetened, (122g
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour 180g
- 1/4 cup protein powder vanilla, 31g
Frosting:
- 3/4 cup Strawberry Frosting whipped, 144g
Topping:
- Sprinkles optional for presentation, of choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8x8" baking dish with parchment paper and/or spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine the butter, brown sugar, sweetener, and vanilla; beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth.
- Add the egg and applesauce and beat again. Then add in the flour and protein powder and stir just until dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and even out so the top is smooth.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let the blondies cool to room temperature then place in the fridge for an hour or until ready to frost.
- When ready, spread the frosting evenly over the bars and top with sprinkles, if desired. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- To prepare dairy-free versions, substitute dairy-free butter and protein powder, use vegan sprinkles, and select a dairy-free frosting or omit frosting entirely.
- To make gluten-free bars, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- These bars are best enjoyed the day after preparation, refrigerated overnight to let flavors develop and texture firm up.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to retain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 145 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1frosted bar (57g) | |
| Calories | 145kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 19.3g | 6% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 5.7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1g | 11% |
| Fiber | 0.7g | 3% |
| Sugar | 7.3g | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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