Weight Watchers (WW) Friendly Blueberry Donuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic treat with our Weight Watchers (WW) Friendly Blueberry Donuts with Lemon Glaze recipe. These baked donuts are a guilt-free indulgence that blends the sweet, tangy flavors of fresh blueberries with a zesty lemon glaze. Designed to fit seamlessly into your WW plan, this recipe provides a delicious, lower-point option for your breakfast or dessert cravings. Follow this detailed guide for measurements, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information to ensure you enjoy these treats while staying on track with your WW goals.

Ingredients

For the Blueberry Donuts:

  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups. Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a lower-carb option, adjusting points as needed.
  • Granulated Sweetener: 1/2 cup. Opt for a WW-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol to keep points low.
  • Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. Ensures the donuts rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Eggs: 2 large. Provides structure and moisture to the donuts.
  • Milk: 1/2 cup. Use skim milk or a plant-based milk alternative for lower points.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: 1/4 cup. Acts as a natural sweetener and moisture source.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds flavor depth.
  • Fresh Blueberries: 1 cup. Provides natural sweetness and bursts of flavor.

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • Powdered Sweetener: 1/2 cup. Choose a powdered sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to keep the glaze low in points.
  • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons. Adds tanginess and helps dissolve the powdered sweetener.
  • Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon. Intensifies the lemon flavor.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise properly.
  1. Prepare the Donut Pan:
  • Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the donuts from sticking and makes for easy removal.
  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sweetener, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  1. Combine Wet Ingredients:
  • In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Add 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  1. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the donuts remain tender.
  1. Fold in Blueberries:
  • Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, ensure they are thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
  1. Fill the Donut Pan:
  • Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
  1. Bake the Donuts:
  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
  1. Cool the Donuts:
  • Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
  1. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
    • While the donuts cool, make the glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup of powdered sweetener, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or sweetener if needed.
  2. Glaze the Donuts:
    • Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the lemon glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to set.
  3. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Blueberry Donuts with Lemon Glaze as a delicious, low-point treat.
  4. Store Leftovers:
    • Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired.

Nutritional Information

Per Donut (based on 6 donuts total):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 4g

WW Points

Based on the Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints system, each donut is approximately 5 SmartPoints. This low-point value makes it a great option for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying within your WW plan.

Useful Information

  • Choosing Sweeteners: Opt for sweeteners that fit within your WW plan to keep the points low. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide better texture and flavor, but frozen blueberries can be used if fresh are unavailable. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
  • Alternative Flours: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Adjust the points accordingly.

Tips for Success

  1. Accurate Measurements: Ensure precise measurements of ingredients for consistent results. Use a kitchen scale if possible.
  2. Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
  3. Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more lemon juice or sweetener as needed.

Serving Suggestions

  • Toppings: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few extra fresh blueberries on top of the glazed donuts for added flavor and visual appeal.
  • Pairings: Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.

Storing and Freezing

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Refrigerate if not consumed within a few days.
  • Freezing: Freeze individual donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving and re-glaze if desired.

Conclusion

Our Weight Watchers (WW) Friendly Blueberry Donuts with Lemon Glaze offer a delicious and low-point alternative to traditional donuts. With their combination of fresh blueberries and tangy lemon glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a sweet indulgence without derailing your WW plan. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and textures while staying true to your dietary goals.