Weight Watchers-Friendly Apple Pastry
Ingredients:

For the Filling:

  • 4-5 medium apples, peeled and grated
  • 1 tbsp light butter or margarine (reduced-fat)
  • 1 tbsp zero-calorie sweetener (like Stevia or Monk Fruit, optional)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Dough:

  • 1 egg
  • 50 g (¼ cup) sugar substitute (like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
  • 100 g (½ cup) fat-free Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute)
  • 250 g (2 cups) whole wheat flour (for extra fiber and fewer points)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 packet of vanillin
  • 50 g (¼ cup) light butter or margarine, cubed (use a reduced-fat version)

For the Topping:

  • 30 g (about ¼ cup) chopped walnuts (use less for fewer points or omit)

Instructions (same as above):

  1. Prepare the filling: Cook the grated apples with 1 tbsp light butter, 1 tbsp sweetener, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a skillet until softened. Let cool.
  2. Prepare the dough: Mix egg, sugar substitute, fat-free Greek yogurt, and vanilla. Combine with the dry ingredients and light butter to form the dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
  3. Assemble and bake: Roll out the dough, spread the apple filling, fold or roll, sprinkle chopped walnuts, and bake.

Nutritional Information and Weight Watchers Points (Per Serving, approx 10 servings):

  • Lightened version: Estimated to be 5-6 points per serving, depending on portion size and ingredient brands.

Tips:

  • Sweetener Swap: Use sugar substitutes like Stevia or Monk Fruit to drastically lower sugar content without affecting sweetness.
  • Butter Alternatives: Light butter or margarine can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Adding whole wheat flour increases fiber, which can help reduce points in some Weight Watchers plans.
  • Topping Adjustment: Reduce or omit the walnuts for fewer points, or substitute with a smaller portion of crushed almonds.

Benefits:

Balanced Fats: Reduced-fat butter helps keep the texture rich but with fewer points.

Lower Sugar: Replacing sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener helps reduce calories and points.

Higher Fiber: Using whole wheat flour increases fiber content, making the recipe more filling and nutritious.