Hot Mama

Why on Earth did I decide to bake today? It's 80 degrees outside, humid and I've turned on the oven. It's a peanut butter craving day, that's why! Young One has one of his many friends over, our house seems to be the kid hangout. So, with kid free time, and two hungry boys plus MY peanut butter craving to feed, I decided to try these Weight Watchers friendly bars.

I once worked for a doctor who said your body craves certain things because it needs something that those foods provide. I NEVER craved peanut butter before I started Weight Watchers. So, there must be something my body needs in it! Especially mixed in with sugar and butter and that wonderful food group: frosting! Enjoy!

Four Point Peanut Butter Bars

cooking spray
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp table salt
1 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats, do not use instant
3/4 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 Tbsp sugar, granulated
1/2 cup light butter, from a stick, softened
2 large egg(s)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup fat-free skim milk

Icing
3 Tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter
1 1/2 Tbsp light butter, from a stick
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp fat-free skim milk

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a 9- X 13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil; coat foil with cooking spray.
Whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Whisk in oats and set aside.
With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; beat in vanilla.
At low speed, add one half of flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, then one half of milk, beating just until incorporated. Repeat with remaining flour mixture and milk, beating until well mixed. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake until golden at edges and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack.
Meanwhile, to make icing, combine peanut butter and butter in a medium microwavable bowl. Microwave on high until butter is melted, about 30 seconds; whisk until smooth. Add powdered sugar and milk; whisk until smooth. Immediately spread icing evenly over hot cake. Cool completely. Cut into 24 bars. Yields 1 bar per serving.

Just an update. These are good, as is, but I think next time I'm going to sub mashed banana for all of the butter. I think that will make them more WW friendly.