Pineapple Juice Cake: A Weight Watchers-Friendly Low-Point Recipe

Welcome to a delicious and diet-conscious twist on a classic favorite: Pineapple Juice Cake. This recipe has been adapted to fit into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan, allowing you to indulge in a moist, flavorful cake without sacrificing your wellness goals. This guide provides detailed instructions, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints to ensure you can enjoy this treat while staying on track.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit for lower points)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (as a fat substitute)
  • 1/4 cup egg whites (approximately 2 large egg whites)
  • 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (for added moisture and a slight tang)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pineapple extract (optional, for enhanced pineapple flavor)
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained (optional, for added texture and flavor)

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or other low-carb powdered sweetener)
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (for consistency and tang)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened pineapple juice (for flavor)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh pineapple slices
  • Mint leaves

Equipment Needed:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8 inch square pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Instructions:

Preparing the Pan:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
  2. Prepare the Pan:
    • Line your 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Making the Cake Batter:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium mixing bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures an even distribution of leavening agents.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute), 1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup egg whites, and 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon pineapple extract (if using) to enhance the flavor.
  3. Combine and Blend:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
  4. Add Crushed Pineapple (Optional):
    • If desired, fold in 1/4 cup of well-drained crushed pineapple for additional flavor and texture.

Baking the Cake:

  1. Pour Batter:
    • Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake:
    • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
  3. Cool:
    • Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before glazing.

Preparing the Glaze:

  1. Make the Glaze:
    • In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered erythritol with 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon unsweetened pineapple juice. Mix until smooth and drizzleable. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or erythritol as needed.
  2. Glaze the Cake:
    • Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.

Serving and Garnishing:

  1. Slice and Serve:
    • Cut the cake into 12 slices. Each slice can be served plain or with optional garnishes.
  2. Garnish (Optional):
    • Garnish with fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves for a decorative and flavorful touch.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings):

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Net Carbohydrates: 12g (subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols)
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 9g

Weight Watchers (WW) Points:

  • SmartPoints®: 5 points per slice (based on the assumption of 12 slices total)

Useful Tips:

  1. Substitutions: You can use a sugar substitute to reduce points and calories. Make sure to adjust the sweetness to taste.
  2. Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator.
  3. Serving Ideas: This cake pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a dollop of non-fat Greek yogurt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  1. Overmixing: Ensure you mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
  2. Underbaking: Check for doneness with a toothpick to ensure the cake is fully baked through.

Conclusion:

Pineapple Juice Cake has been reimagined to fit into your Weight Watchers plan without compromising on taste or texture. With this detailed guide, you can make a moist, flavorful cake that meets your dietary goals while satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy this delightful dessert knowing that each bite aligns with your wellness journey.

Additional Notes:

  • Meal Prep: This cake is great for meal prepping as it keeps well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
  • Customization: Feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings that fit within your WW points.

Enjoy making and sharing this Pineapple Juice Cake, and delight in a low-point treat that’s both satisfying and mindful of your health goals.