The weather is getting cooler in most parts of the country and thoughts have now turned to baking. Muffins, pies, cobblers, brownies, cookies, cakes, breads ... there is no shortage of things to mix together and throw into the oven.
However, the influx of these delightful baked goods can cause create some rather “undelightful” consequences, most notably, an uptick on the scale.
Bakers all over will attest to the sadness that accompanies them when they bake and bake only to give everything away so they don’t eat it all themselves. But what if there was a way to bake a cake and eat it too?
What if baking could be simplified so that there were few ingredients and even fewer calories, but yet retain the great taste?
What if holiday baking meant holiday eating as well?
Yes! It’s true! The easiest recipes any cook will ever try, are also the ones that shave considerable fat and calories off the dessert.
Using canned pumpkin means bakers can skip the oil, butter, and eggs usually necessary for these delights. The pumpkin keeps the items super moist, so much so that the oil, eggs, and butter are not even missed! Check out some favorite TWO INGREDIENT recipes below to save time and calories.
Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies
Add one 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) to a family-size package of brownie mix (that fits in a 13 x 9 pan) OR one package of Devil’s Food Cake boxed cake mix. Mix these two ingredients until combined.
Place in a 9 x 9 or 8 x 8 pan and cook at 350 degrees for about 25-35 minutes.
These brownies are extra moist and dense with a great taste of fall mixed in. And according to MyFitnessPal.com, they are under 100 calories per serving! Just be sure to watch the serving size.
Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies
If the brownies weren't enough, why not bake up some cookies? Add one 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) to any Spice Cake boxed cake mix. Mix ingredients together until the mixture is thick and fully mixed.
Add tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
These cookies are done when they are set and have a cake-like texture. They taste good plain, but taste great with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Try one of these recipes for a quick, healthy twist on the traditional baking this year. Maybe the holiday weight gain can be avoided for once!
Sources:
Sheknows.com. Web. 11 November 2013. "Two ingredient pumpkin cookies recipe."
http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1016431/two-ingredient-pumpkin-cookies-recipe
Myfitnesspal.com. Web. 11 November 2013. "Two ingredient devils food with pumpkin brownies."
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/generic-2-ingredient-brownie-devilsfoodw-pumpkin-710665
Reviewed November 11, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith