Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf
Makes: 12 servings
WW Points: Approx. 4-5 points per slice (depends on your plan)

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat for extra fiber)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese works well)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (to replace some of the fat)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (can use a sugar substitute like Stevia to reduce points)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries (chopped)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional, but adds great flavor)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, beat together the low-fat cream cheese, applesauce, and sugar (or sugar substitute) until smooth.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Then, mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined.
  6. Fold in cranberries gently.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (per slice):

  • Calories: 120-130
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Fat: 3g (lower fat content due to low-fat cream cheese)
  • Fiber: 2g (if using whole wheat flour)
  • Sugar: 8g

Tips & Benefits:

  • Lower Points: You can reduce points further by using sugar substitutes (like Stevia) and low-fat ingredients like fat-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese.
  • Fiber Boost: Adding whole wheat flour increases fiber, which helps with digestion and can make the loaf more filling.
  • Cranberries: These are rich in antioxidants, and fresh cranberries have less sugar compared to dried ones.
  • Moisture: The unsweetened applesauce keeps the loaf moist without adding extra fat, making this recipe lighter.
  • Protein Boost: Use a small amount of vanilla protein powder in the batter to increase the protein content without changing the flavor significantly.
  • Freeze-Friendly: This loaf freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option for quick snacks.

This version is a balanced, lower-point treat that keeps the classic flavors intact while making it more Weight Watchers-friendly!