Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Ingredients (Makes 12 muffins):

For the Muffins:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (0 points)
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (0 points)
  • 1/2 cup egg whites or 2 large eggs (0 points)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (6 points)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (5 points)
  • 1/2 cup granulated Splenda or your preferred zero-calorie sweetener (0 points)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (0 points)
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (0 points)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (0 points)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (0 points)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (0 points)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 4 oz fat-free cream cheese (4 points)
  • 2 tbsp granulated Splenda or another zero-calorie sweetener (0 points)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (0 points)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the muffin batter:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, egg whites, Splenda, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  3. Prepare the cream cheese filling:
    • In a small bowl, mix the fat-free cream cheese, Splenda, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the muffins:
    • Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the pumpkin batter.
    • Drop about 1 tsp of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin and swirl slightly with a toothpick or knife.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean.
  6. Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (per muffin):

  • Calories: ~80
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Weight Watchers Points: 2 points per muffin

Tips:

  • Sweetness: Adjust the level of sweetness by adding a little more or less Splenda based on your taste.
  • Portion control: Be careful with the cream cheese filling to ensure you stay within the 2 points per muffin. If you use too much, the points may increase.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Benefits:

  • Low in points: At only 2 points per muffin, these are a perfect fall snack or dessert without breaking your daily points budget.
  • High in fiber: The pumpkin and whole wheat flour add fiber, keeping you satisfied longer.
  • Seasonal treat: These muffins are a delicious way to enjoy seasonal flavors while staying on track with your weight loss goals.

Conclusion:

These 2-Point Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are the ideal treat for anyone on Weight Watchers. They’re moist, flavorful, and guilt-free, making them the perfect snack or dessert for the fall season!