Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake – Weight Watchers Friendly
Fruitcake is a beloved holiday tradition, a rich and decadent treat that often finds its place at festive gatherings. However, traditional fruitcake recipes can be high in sugar, fat, and calories, making it difficult to enjoy for those who are watching their weight. This Weight Watchers-friendly version is designed to keep the spirit of this classic dessert, while fitting into a healthier lifestyle. With fewer points, reduced sugar, and the inclusion of nutrient-dense ingredients, this fruitcake allows you to indulge without the guilt.
In this recipe, we’ll detail the steps for making a low-point, healthier fruitcake with all the classic flavors. We will also include valuable information such as nutritional details, tips for the best results, and how to make this dessert in a way that is suitable for various dietary needs. Whether you’re planning to enjoy it yourself or share it with friends and family, this Weight Watchers fruitcake will be a hit this holiday season.
Ingredients:
- Mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cranberries, and apricots): 2 cups
- Chopped unsweetened dried pineapple: ½ cup
- Chopped unsweetened dried apples: ½ cup
- Chopped walnuts: ¼ cup
- Chopped pecans: ¼ cup
- Chopped almonds: ¼ cup
- Unbleached whole-wheat flour: 1 cup
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Ground allspice: ¼ tsp
- Egg whites (from 3 large eggs): 3
- Honey: 2 tbsp
- Unsweetened applesauce: ¼ cup
- Low-fat plain Greek yogurt: ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Lemon zest: 1 tsp
- Orange zest: 1 tsp
- Fresh squeezed orange juice: 1 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tsp
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Fruit Mixture Start by preparing the dried fruits for the cake. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the raisins, currants, cranberries, apricots, pineapple, and apples. Toss these ingredients together to mix them evenly. The dried fruits will absorb moisture during the soaking process, which is vital to creating a moist fruitcake. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet and dry ingredients.
Step 2: Toasting the Nuts For an added depth of flavor, toast your nuts lightly. In a dry skillet, add the walnuts, pecans, and almonds. Place the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the nuts become fragrant and slightly browned. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Once toasted, remove from heat and allow the nuts to cool before chopping them coarsely.
Step 3: Preparing the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly blended. The whole-wheat flour adds a subtle nutty flavor while keeping the fruitcake healthier, as it is higher in fiber compared to refined white flour.
Step 4: Preparing the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, honey, applesauce, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Use a whisk to beat the ingredients together until smooth. The honey adds sweetness without the need for added sugar, while the applesauce and Greek yogurt help to keep the cake moist and reduce the amount of fat.
Step 5: Mixing the Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. The mixture should become thick but still slightly pourable. Add the soaked fruit mixture and the toasted nuts to the batter. Stir well to ensure that all the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Baking the Fruitcake Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9-inch round or square baking pan by lightly greasing it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top to make it even.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of baking time to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cooling and Storing Once the fruitcake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for maintaining the moisture in the cake.
To store the fruitcake, wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil. The flavors improve with time, so consider making the fruitcake a day or two ahead of serving. It can be stored in the fridge for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to two months.
Weight Watchers Points:
Per serving (1 slice, assuming 12 slices per cake):
- Points: 4 points (Freestyle) – (WW Blue, Green, Purple)
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
The use of egg whites, whole wheat flour, and the natural sweetness from fruits and honey keeps the calorie count lower, making it a lighter option for those who are following the Weight Watchers program.
Nutritional Information (per slice, 1/12 of cake):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 190mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
Tips for Making the Best Holiday Fruitcake:
- Soak the Dried Fruit: If you have time, soak the dried fruits in a small amount of fruit juice or water for several hours before using them. This helps the fruits plump up, ensuring that your fruitcake remains moist and flavorful.
- Choose High-Quality Dried Fruits: To elevate the flavor of your fruitcake, select high-quality dried fruits that are naturally sweetened. You can even add your own mix of dried fruits like dates, prunes, or raisins for different textures and flavors.
- Use Fresh Nuts: Freshly toasted nuts give the fruitcake an extra layer of flavor. Be sure not to over-toast them, as burnt nuts can add a bitter taste to the cake.
- Experiment with Spices: Spices are essential for creating the deep, aromatic flavors in fruitcake. Feel free to experiment with adding a pinch of ginger or clove for additional warmth. Just be sure to keep the proportions balanced to avoid overwhelming the flavors.
- Consider Adding a Splash of Liquor: For those who want a more traditional touch, you can add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the batter to enhance the cake’s flavor. This is optional but adds to the depth of the fruitcake’s taste.
Storage & Serving Suggestions:
Once your Weight Watchers-friendly fruitcake has cooled and been wrapped, it’s best to let it sit for a day or two before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together. Fruitcake is often served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
When it comes to serving, fruitcake pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. If you’re hosting a holiday party, cut the cake into small slices and serve it with some whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side for added creaminess. It can also be paired with a fresh fruit salad or a light cheese platter to balance the richness of the cake.
Conclusion:
This Weight Watchers-friendly traditional fruitcake is the perfect way to enjoy a festive treat without derailing your healthy eating goals. With its rich flavors, natural sweetness, and lower point value, it offers a satisfying dessert that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are on a weight management program or simply want to make a healthier holiday choice, this fruitcake will allow you to enjoy the season’s best flavors without guilt.
By following the tips and using quality ingredients, you can create a fruitcake that is both delicious and nutritious. Try making it ahead of time for the holidays, and feel free to share this lighter fruitcake with friends and family to spread the joy of guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy!