Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe: A Guilt-Free Delight
Introduction:
Welcome to a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Our Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect blend of zesty lemon and creamy cheese, making it a delightful treat without straying from your wellness goals. This recipe is designed to be low in Weight Watchers SmartPoints, offering a flavorful indulgence that fits seamlessly into your balanced eating plan. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack, a light breakfast, or a satisfying dessert, this bread will hit the spot.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (use a measuring cup and level off for accuracy)
- 1/2 cup granulated erythritol (a low-calorie sweetener that mimics sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for leavening)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (to aid in rising)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for flavor balance)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces oil for reduced fat)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened; use reduced-fat cream cheese for fewer SmartPoints)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (for a burst of citrus flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added depth of flavor)
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (for the glaze; sifted to remove lumps)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (for extra lemony goodness)
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)
- Electric mixer (or stand mixer for best results)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (greased or lined with parchment paper)
- Cooling rack (for cooling the bread)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated erythritol, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sweetener.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add Citrus: Mix in 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease or Line: Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the bread comes out cleanly.
- Pour and Spread:
- Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup powdered erythritol with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust with more lemon juice or powdered erythritol as needed.
- Glaze the Bread (Optional):
- Apply Glaze: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Let the glaze set before slicing.
- Slice and Serve:
- Serve: Slice the bread into 8-10 servings. Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or a light dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings total):
- Calories: 130
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Net Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Weight Watchers SmartPoints:
- Freestyle Points: 4 points per serving (without glaze)
Useful Tips:
- Substitute Sweeteners: Feel free to substitute granulated erythritol with other low-calorie sweeteners that you prefer, such as Monk Fruit Sweetener or Stevia.
- Check Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen it slightly. This helps ensure a moist bread.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible, as it can contain preservatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy bread.
- Underbaking: Ensure the bread is fully baked by checking with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done. Undercooking can result in a soggy center.
Conclusion:
This Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the tangy freshness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Perfect for those on a weight management plan, it provides a deliciously satisfying option that fits within your SmartPoints. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as a light dessert, and savor the guilt-free pleasure of this low-point recipe.
Additional Notes:
- Meal Prep: This bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to prepare a delectable lemon cream cheese bread that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. Enjoy this light and flavorful treat anytime you need a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe: A Guilt-Free Delight
Introduction:
Welcome to a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Our Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect blend of zesty lemon and creamy cheese, making it a delightful treat without straying from your wellness goals. This recipe is designed to be low in Weight Watchers SmartPoints, offering a flavorful indulgence that fits seamlessly into your balanced eating plan. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack, a light breakfast, or a satisfying dessert, this bread will hit the spot.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (use a measuring cup and level off for accuracy)
- 1/2 cup granulated erythritol (a low-calorie sweetener that mimics sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for leavening)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (to aid in rising)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for flavor balance)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces oil for reduced fat)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened; use reduced-fat cream cheese for fewer SmartPoints)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (for a burst of citrus flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added depth of flavor)
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (for the glaze; sifted to remove lumps)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (for extra lemony goodness)
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)
- Electric mixer (or stand mixer for best results)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (greased or lined with parchment paper)
- Cooling rack (for cooling the bread)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated erythritol, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sweetener.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add Citrus: Mix in 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease or Line: Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the bread comes out cleanly.
- Pour and Spread:
- Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup powdered erythritol with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust with more lemon juice or powdered erythritol as needed.
- Glaze the Bread (Optional):
- Apply Glaze: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Let the glaze set before slicing.
- Slice and Serve:
- Serve: Slice the bread into 8-10 servings. Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or a light dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings total):
- Calories: 130
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Net Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Weight Watchers SmartPoints:
- Freestyle Points: 4 points per serving (without glaze)
Useful Tips:
- Substitute Sweeteners: Feel free to substitute granulated erythritol with other low-calorie sweeteners that you prefer, such as Monk Fruit Sweetener or Stevia.
- Check Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen it slightly. This helps ensure a moist bread.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible, as it can contain preservatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy bread.
- Underbaking: Ensure the bread is fully baked by checking with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done. Undercooking can result in a soggy center.
Conclusion:
This Weight Watchers-Friendly Lemon Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the tangy freshness of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Perfect for those on a weight management plan, it provides a deliciously satisfying option that fits within your SmartPoints. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as a light dessert, and savor the guilt-free pleasure of this low-point recipe.
Additional Notes:
- Meal Prep: This bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to prepare a delectable lemon cream cheese bread that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. Enjoy this light and flavorful treat anytime you need a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.