Indulgent, rich, and undeniably satisfying, this Weight Watchers Chocolate Skillet Cake with Ice Cream combines decadence with health-conscious portions, ensuring you can satisfy your chocolate cravings without blowing your points budget. Perfectly portioned for sharing, this warm, gooey dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of low-point ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat.
This recipe is optimized for your Weight Watchers plan, offering all the flavor and indulgence of a traditional chocolate cake, but with fewer calories and SmartPoints. Here’s the detailed breakdown for your website.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Chocolate Skillet Cake
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg (or flaxseed egg for a vegan option)
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Low-Point Ice Cream
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease an 8-inch oven-safe skillet with a small amount of cooking spray or a dab of olive oil.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly combined to avoid lumps in the batter.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, Greek yogurt, egg, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using. These add a touch of richness and melt beautifully into the cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Prepare the Ice Cream
- While the cake bakes, make the low-point ice cream by whisking together the Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Chill the mixture in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes while the cake finishes baking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, let the skillet cake cool for about 5 minutes.
- Slice the cake into six portions and serve warm, topped with a generous dollop of the chilled ice cream.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Including Ice Cream)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
Weight Watchers SmartPoints
- Green Plan: ~4 SmartPoints per serving
- Blue Plan: ~3 SmartPoints per serving
- Purple Plan: ~3 SmartPoints per serving
Tips for Perfect Skillet Cake
- Check for Doneness: The cake should have a slightly gooey center for the best texture. Avoid overbaking, as this can make it dry.
- Optional Toppings: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh berries for a pop of flavor and color.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). Ensure the yogurt and chocolate chips are plant-based.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low SmartPoints Indulgence: A chocolate dessert that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight treats or impromptu celebrations.
- Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or fruits to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing, yet portion-controlled for mindful eating.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
- Pair this chocolate skillet cake with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of natural sweetness.
- Serve alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
- Add a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup or caramel for an extra touch of indulgence.
This Weight Watchers Chocolate Skillet Cake & Ice Cream is the perfect way to enjoy a decadent dessert while staying on track with your health goals. Make it for yourself or share it with loved ones—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!