Weight Watchers Friendly Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients:
6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thin (0 SmartPoints)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (12 SmartPoints) – or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda for 0 SmartPoints.
1/4 cup brown sugar (13 SmartPoints) – or use a brown sugar substitute like Truvia for 0 SmartPoints.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (0 SmartPoints)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0 SmartPoints)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (0 SmartPoints)
1/2 cup water (0 SmartPoints)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (1 SmartPoint)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (0 SmartPoints)
Total SmartPoints for Entire Recipe (with sugar): 26 SmartPoints
Points per Serving (Makes about 6 servings): Approximately 4 SmartPoints per serving
Directions:
Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. You can use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
Cook the Apples:
In a large saucepan, combine the apples, granulated sugar (or sugar substitute), brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute), cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Stir in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the apple mixture and stir well. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and the apples are tender, about 3-4 minutes more.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Cool and Store:
Allow the apple pie filling to cool slightly before using it in a recipe. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, with sugar substitutes):
Calories: 90 kcal
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 0g
Sugar: 15g (with sugar substitutes)
Tips:
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or substitute based on your taste.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add other spices like ground cloves or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Texture: For a chunkier filling, cut the apples into larger pieces. If you prefer a smoother filling, cut the apples smaller.
Benefits:
Low in Points: Using sugar substitutes can significantly reduce the points in this recipe, making it a guilt-free treat.
Versatile: This filling can be used in various desserts or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream.
High Fiber: Apples provide a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
Enjoy this Weight Watchers Friendly Apple Pie Filling in your favorite dessert recipes or as a delicious, healthy snack!