WW Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe
Welcome to a delightful and health-conscious take on a classic baked treat! This WW Pineapple Quick Bread is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, designed with Weight Watchers (WW) guidelines in mind to offer you a healthier indulgence without compromising on taste. This recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure that you enjoy every bite while staying within your SmartPoints range. Below, you’ll find an extensive guide to making this quick bread, complete with ingredients, instructions, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Pineapple Quick Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or use a sugar substitute equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar for fewer SmartPoints)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup egg whites (about 2 large egg whites)
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added texture and flavor)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread once baked.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. If you are using ground cinnamon for additional flavor, add it to the dry ingredients at this stage. Set the bowl aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (or sugar substitute), 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple, 1/4 cup of egg whites, 1/2 cup of low-fat milk, and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure a light and fluffy texture in your quick bread.
Add Optional Ingredients: If you are including chopped walnuts or pecans, fold them into the batter at this stage. These nuts will add a pleasant crunch and additional nutrients to your bread.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the bread once it has cooled. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, or can be enjoyed as a snack or light breakfast option.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, assuming you slice the bread into 12 pieces:
Calories: 140 kcal
Total Fat: 4.5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg
Sodium: 180 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 12 g
Protein: 3 g
WW SmartPoints
For those following the Weight Watchers program, this Pineapple Quick Bread is a low SmartPoints option, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying treat that aligns with your weight loss goals:
Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per slice
Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints per slice
Purple Plan: 4 SmartPoints per slice
Note: SmartPoints values are based on the specific ingredients listed and portion sizes. Adjustments to ingredients or portion sizes may alter the SmartPoints value.
Additional Tips
Substitute Ingredients: To further reduce SmartPoints, consider using a sugar substitute that’s compatible with baking. Applesauce is a great alternative to oil, but using it in conjunction with reduced-fat oil provides a balanced texture.
Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different flavorings such as almond extract or citrus zest to enhance the taste of the bread.
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions: This bread is versatile and can be enjoyed plain or with a spread. Consider a light cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added flavor.
Health Benefits: Pineapple is a rich source of vitamin C and manganese, while using egg whites and low-fat milk helps to reduce fat and calorie content.
By incorporating these tips and using this comprehensive recipe, you can enjoy a delectable Pineapple Quick Bread that meets your dietary needs while keeping your SmartPoints in check. Happy baking and enjoy your healthy treat!