Applesauce Spice Bars by Splenda

🍏🍰 Applesauce Spice Bars by Splenda 🍰🍏

Applesauce Spice Bars are a delicious dessert or snack that combines the comforting flavors of applesauce and warm spices. They are a healthier alternative to traditional dessert bars because they use Splenda, a sugar substitute, to sweeten them without adding extra calories. Here’s a breakdown of what Applesauce Spice Bars are, their history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time:

📜 History:
The history of Applesauce Spice Bars is rooted in the tradition of using applesauce in baking, which dates back to colonial times in the United States. Applesauce was commonly used as a natural sweetener and moisture enhancer in recipes. The idea of incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into applesauce-based recipes likely evolved over time, resulting in the creation of these flavorful bars. The use of Splenda as a sugar substitute is a more recent addition, catering to those looking for a lower-calorie and diabetic-friendly option.

📋 Components:

• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Splenda (or other sugar substitute)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, Splenda, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the applesauce mixture, mixing until just combined. If you choose to include nuts, fold them into the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares or bars.
8. Once cooled, you can serve these delightful Applesauce Spice Bars and enjoy!

⏰ Preparation Time:
The estimated preparation time for Applesauce Spice Bars is around 15-20 minutes for mixing and preparing the batter and an additional 30-35 minutes for baking. So, in total, you can expect to spend about 45-55 minutes from start to finish.

Now you have all the information you need to whip up these scrumptious Applesauce Spice Bars by Splenda. Enjoy the delightful combination of applesauce and warm spices in a healthier dessert option! 🍏🍰✨

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Applesauce Spice Bars made with Splenda:

📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 16 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 160-180 kcal
• Total Fat: 8-10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-25 milligrams
• Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: 1-2 grams (naturally occurring in applesauce)
• Protein: 2-3 grams

💡 Health Information:

• Lower Sugar: These bars use Splenda as a sugar substitute, reducing the overall sugar content compared to traditional dessert bars. This can be beneficial for those watching their sugar intake, including people with diabetes.

• Moderate Calories: With around 160-180 calories per serving, these bars can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

• Good Source of Fiber: While not extremely high in fiber, these bars do contain some dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help you feel full.

• Healthier Fats: The vegetable oil used is a source of unsaturated fats, which are considered healthier for heart health compared to saturated fats.

• Applesauce Benefits: Applesauce is a source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. It can contribute to your daily fruit intake and provides natural sweetness.

• Portion Control: As with any dessert, it’s important to practice portion control. Enjoying a small serving can satisfy your sweet tooth without excessive calorie consumption.

Remember that these nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, so it’s a good idea to check product labels and adjust quantities to meet your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy your Applesauce Spice Bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🍏🍰🥗