Weight Watchers Blueberry Donuts Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Weight Watchers Blueberry Donuts! This recipe transforms a classic treat into a lighter, low-point version that satisfies your sweet cravings without derailing your health goals. Bursting with fresh blueberries and a hint of vanilla, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet treat after dinner. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious donuts, providing you with tips, nutritional information, and more.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for your donuts. Consider using whole wheat flour for added fiber.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness. You can use a sugar substitute to reduce calories further.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for fluffiness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor.
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Replaces some of the fat while keeping the donuts moist.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added flavor.
1/2 cup fresh blueberries: The star ingredient, bursting with flavor. Frozen blueberries can be used, but do not thaw them before adding.
For the Glaze (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness in the glaze.
1-2 tablespoons almond milk: To thin the glaze to the desired consistency.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Prepare the Donut Pan: Lightly grease a 6-cavity donut pan with cooking spray or use silicone molds for easy release. Proper greasing is essential to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Mixing these ingredients first ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the unsweetened applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. The applesauce will keep your donuts moist and reduce the need for additional fat.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. The batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 6: Add Blueberries
Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, add them while still frozen to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
Step 7: Fill the Donut Pan
Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 8: Bake the Donuts
Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they can become dry.
Step 9: Cool the Donuts
Cool: Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
Make the Glaze: If you’d like to add a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
Step 11: Glaze the Donuts
Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon or dip the tops directly into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Serve: Enjoy these delightful blueberry donuts fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to a month, making them great for meal prep.
Nutritional Information (per donut, without glaze, serves 6)
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Net Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 3g
SmartPoints (WW): 4
Tips for Success
Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Variations: Try adding lemon zest for a refreshing twist or substituting half of the blueberries with raspberries for a mixed berry version.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt in place of eggs for a vegan alternative, but keep in mind that the texture may vary.
Serving Suggestions
These blueberry donuts are versatile and can be paired with:
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with your morning beverage for a perfect breakfast treat.
Yogurt: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt topped with additional berries for a balanced meal.
Fresh Fruit: Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing dessert.
Conclusion
These Weight Watchers Blueberry Donuts are a delicious way to indulge your sweet tooth while keeping your SmartPoints in check. Perfectly fluffy and bursting with blueberries, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, these donuts provide a satisfying treat that aligns with your health goals. Whip up a batch today and experience the joy of guilt-free baking! Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade goodness without compromising your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.