This Strawberry Cake is a lighter, healthier version of a classic favorite, made with fresh strawberries and a few simple swaps to keep the points low while still delivering delicious flavor. It’s perfect for spring or any time you want a sweet treat without going overboard on the calories.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup sweetener of choice (like Stevia, Monk Fruit, or any WW-friendly sweetener)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (to replace oil for fewer calories)
- 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mashed strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and mashed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup powdered sweetener (such as powdered Stevia or Monk Fruit)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, Greek yogurt, mashed strawberries, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: While the cake is cooling, make the frosting by mixing the Greek yogurt, powdered sweetener, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, frost the top with the Greek yogurt frosting. Optionally, top with fresh strawberry slices for a garnish.
- Serve and enjoy! Slice into 8 pieces and enjoy your healthier, lighter strawberry cake!
Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 8 slices):
- Calories: ~120-140
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 6g
WW Points (per slice): 3-4 Points (depends on the sweetener and ingredients used)
Tips & Variations:
- Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the cake a more vibrant flavor, but frozen strawberries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Add a bit of lemon zest: For a tangy twist, add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the batter for extra freshness.
- Top with whipped cream: For a slightly richer topping, you could use a light whipped cream or even a light whipped topping like Cool Whip (keep track of points if adding).