Introduction:

If you’re looking for a delightful, healthier alternative to traditional donuts, then Weight Watchers Blueberry Donuts are the perfect solution. These light, fluffy, and nutritious donuts are made with whole ingredients that keep your SmartPoints low while satisfying your sweet tooth. They are perfect for a morning treat or a light afternoon snack, and their vibrant blueberry flavor makes them an irresistible option. Below, you’ll find an in-depth recipe for these Weight Watchers-friendly donuts, complete with detailed instructions, nutritional information, and the SmartPoints values.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar substitute (such as Stevia or Monk Fruit)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (ensure they are defrosted if frozen)
  • 1/4 cup non-fat milk (or your preferred milk substitute)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional but adds a lovely fresh flavor)

Optional Glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar substitute
  • 1-2 teaspoons water (adjust consistency as needed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly oil it with a paper towel to ensure the donuts come out easily once baked.
  2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and non-fat milk. This forms the base of your donut batter. If you’re using lemon zest, add it at this point to enhance the flavor of the donuts.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and your sugar substitute. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. The cinnamon and salt will add depth to the flavor, while the baking powder and soda ensure a light and fluffy texture.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this could lead to dense donuts. The mixture should be thick but slightly pourable.
  5. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries. If you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure they are defrosted and gently pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter. This prevents excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the donuts.
  6. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Use a spoon or piping bag to evenly distribute the batter and ensure the donuts are uniform in size.
  7. Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-baking.
  8. Cool and Prepare the Glaze: Once the donuts are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the donuts cool, you can prepare the optional glaze.
  9. Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar substitute, vanilla extract, and water. Add the water one teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts, or dip them in for an extra touch of sweetness.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the glaze is set, your Weight Watchers Blueberry Donuts are ready to serve. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Donut):

  • Calories: 85
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • SmartPoints: 2 (without glaze) / 3 (with glaze)

SmartPoints Breakdown:

Weight Watchers points can vary depending on personal preferences and ingredient substitutions. Here’s a breakdown of the SmartPoints for each ingredient used in this recipe:

  • Flour (1 cup): 6 SmartPoints
  • Applesauce (1/2 cup): 0 SmartPoints
  • Sugar substitute: 0 SmartPoints (most substitutes have no points)
  • Egg (1 large): 2 SmartPoints
  • Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): 0 SmartPoints
  • Baking powder & baking soda: 0 SmartPoints
  • Milk (1/4 cup): 1 SmartPoint
  • Blueberries (1/2 cup): 0 SmartPoints
  • Cinnamon & Lemon Zest: 0 SmartPoints
  • Glaze (optional): 1 SmartPoint per donut

Overall, the donut without the glaze is only 2 SmartPoints, and with the glaze, it is 3 SmartPoints per donut, making this recipe a great low-point treat for anyone following the Weight Watchers program.

Additional Tips & Variations:

  1. Flour Substitutions: If you want to reduce the carbs further, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, but it’s a great option for low-carb diets.
  2. Sugar Substitutes: Feel free to use any sugar substitute of your choice. The recipe calls for stevia or monk fruit, which both have zero SmartPoints and no impact on blood sugar. However, if you prefer regular sugar, make sure to adjust the SmartPoints accordingly.
  3. Vegan Option: To make these donuts vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), and use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk).
  4. Frozen Blueberries: Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh, but be sure to thaw and dry them to prevent extra moisture that could affect the donut texture.
  5. Baking Time Variations: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your donuts at the 10-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook. The donuts are done when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Additional Flavors: You can mix in other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even diced apples to switch things up. For added texture, consider sprinkling a few nuts (like chopped walnuts) on top before baking.

Why These Blueberry Donuts Are Perfect for Weight Watchers:

One of the key factors that make these donuts perfect for a Weight Watchers-friendly treat is their low calorie and low SmartPoints count. Traditional donuts are often deep-fried, loaded with sugar, and high in calories, which makes them hard to fit into a healthy eating plan. By using whole ingredients like applesauce, non-fat milk, and a sugar substitute, this recipe reduces unnecessary fat and sugar, making it easier for you to stay on track with your health and weight loss goals.

The inclusion of fresh blueberries not only provides antioxidants but also a burst of natural sweetness. With the combination of healthy ingredients and portion control, these donuts make a perfect snack or breakfast option. Whether you’re following the Weight Watchers program or just looking for a healthier version of a classic treat, these donuts are sure to hit the spot.

Conclusion:

Weight Watchers Blueberry Donuts are an ideal choice for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat while maintaining their wellness goals. With only 2 SmartPoints per donut (without glaze), they fit easily into your daily points allowance. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and low calorie content make them a perfect choice for anyone on the go or looking to add a little something special to their day. Try these blueberry donuts today and enjoy a guilt-free, flavorful indulgence.