Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
- 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (like Stevia or Splenda) or 1/3 cup sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (plain)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup skim milk (or almond milk for lower points)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped into small pieces (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch (optional, affects points)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 tbsp granulated sweetener (like Stevia or Splenda)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch round or square baking pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apple pieces into the batter.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sweetener for the swirl. Set aside.
- Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
- Swirl: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marble effect.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until done.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
WW Points (Approximate per serving):
- Freestyle Points: About 4 points per serving (1/8 of the cake).
- SmartPoints: Approximately 4 points per serving (adjust depending on specific ingredients used).
Tips:
- Apple Variations: You can experiment with different types of apples to change the flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith will give a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour if you need a gluten-free option.
This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a wonderful WW-friendly treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a snack, with just the right balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Enjoy!
