We’ve got a treat for anyone watching their waistline without sacrificing flavor—our Weight Watchers Lemon Cake Recipe delivers that bright citrus zing in a lighter package. Originating from the smart points system of Weight Watchers it’s perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet yet sensible.
This easy-to-make dessert proves you don’t have to give up indulgence to stay on track. We’ll show you how simple swaps keep it delicious and diet-friendly so you can enjoy every moist bite.
Ingredients
As we dive into the heart of our Weight Watchers Lemon Cake Recipe, we’ve curated a simple yet effective list of ingredients that align with the SmartPoints system. This selection ensures a delightfully tangy and moist cake that’s both diet-friendly and full of fresh lemon flavor. We’ve ordered the ingredients as they’ll be used in the preparation process, with prep notes for accuracy.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted to ensure a light texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (fresh for optimal rise)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (helps balance the acidity from the lemon)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (provides creaminess without added calories; room temperature for easy mixing)
- ½ cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener, to keep points low while maintaining sweetness)
- 2 large eggs (beaten lightly before use)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (squeezed from about 2 medium lemons for that zesty punch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (finely grated from the same lemons for enhanced aroma and flavor)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (as a low-calorie moisture booster, replacing oil or butter)
These ingredients combine to create a cake that’s not only refreshingly citrusy but also clocks in at just 4 SmartPoints per serving, making it a smart choice for our health-conscious readers.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our Weight Watchers-friendly ingredients, let’s create our refreshing Weight Watchers Lemon Cake step by step. We’ll use active techniques to ensure a moist tangy cake that’s just 4 SmartPoints per serving.
Prep
First, preheat our oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda—until evenly combined for a light base.
Next, in a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients for that zesty flavor: beat 2 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar substitute until fluffy, then stir in 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon zest to infuse a vibrant citrus aroma that awakens the senses.
Finally, gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula, stirring just until the batter is smooth and lump-free—overmixing can make the cake dense, so we aim for a tender velvety texture that promises a delightful burst of lemony goodness.
Bake
Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spoon for uniform rising. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, allowing the cake to develop a golden crust while the inside stays moist and infused with bright lemon notes.
To monitor baking, we recommend checking at the 25-minute mark—ovens vary, so this ensures our cake bakes to perfection without drying out, resulting in a fluffy interior that retains its fresh citrus essence.
Cool and Frost
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then transfer it directly to the rack to cool completely for about 1 hour—this step locks in the moisture and enhances the tangy lemon flavor as the cake sets.
| SmartPoints Component | Points per Serving |
|---|---|
| Cake Base | 3 |
| Frosting | 1 |
| Total per Serving | 4 |
Required Equipment
To prepare our Weight Watchers Lemon Cake Recipe successfully, we recommend gathering these essential tools beforehand. This ensures a smooth baking process while keeping things simple and efficient.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to the required temperature is crucial for baking the cake to a golden, moist perfection.
- 9-inch cake pan: We suggest using a non-stick 9-inch cake pan greased lightly to prevent sticking and achieve even baking.
- Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized mixing bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet—to keep our preparation organized and mess-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring cups and spoons are key for precise measurements, helping maintain the cake’s 4 SmartPoints per serving.
- Whisk or electric mixer: A whisk or handheld electric mixer for blending ingredients smoothly, ensuring a light and tender batter.
- Lemon zester or grater: Essential for extracting fresh lemon zest, which infuses the cake with its vibrant, citrusy flavor.
- Spatula: A rubber or silicone spatula for gently folding wet ingredients into dry ones, preserving the cake’s airy texture.
- Wire rack: A cooling wire rack to let the baked cake rest and enhance its refreshing lemon taste without sogginess.
By having these items ready, we can transition seamlessly from mixing ingredients to baking our delicious, health-conscious treat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help us streamline our baking process while keeping our Weight Watchers Lemon Cake fresh and aligned with the SmartPoints system, we can prepare elements in advance. This approach ensures the cake retains its tangy, moist texture and vibrant lemon flavor, making it easier to enjoy a guilt-free dessert without last-minute rush.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping certain components up to 24 hours in advance to maintain optimal freshness:
- Dry ingredients: In a sealed container, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This keeps them ready for quick mixing and helps preserve their lightness.
- Lemon zest and juice: Zest and juice the lemons, then store the zest in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the juice, place it in a small sealed jar to prevent oxidation, ensuring it stays bright and flavorful.
- Wet ingredients: Mix the non-fat Greek yogurt, granulated sugar substitute, eggs, and unsweetened applesauce in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate this mixture, but note that it should be used within 24 hours to avoid separation and maintain the batter’s consistency.
Baking and Storing the Cake
For make-ahead baking, we can prepare the full cake and store it effectively:
- Follow the standard steps to bake the cake as outlined earlier, allowing it to cool completely on the wire rack.
- Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and enhance the citrusy aroma.
- Refrigerate the unwrapped cake for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When freezing, we suggest slicing the cake first for easy portioning, helping us track SmartPoints per serving.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep our cake’s sensory appeal intact—its tender crumb and zesty tang—we provide the following guidelines in a table for quick reference:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips for Quality | Impact on SmartPoints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Store in an airtight container to prevent drying; reheat gently in the oven for 5-10 minutes to restore warmth and flavor. | No change; remains at 4 points per serving |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Use freezer-safe wrapping; thaw overnight in the refrigerator to avoid sogginess and preserve the moist texture. | No change; points stay consistent when served as is |
By following these steps, we ensure our Weight Watchers Lemon Cake stays delicious and diet-friendly, ready whenever we need a refreshing treat.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Weight Watchers Lemon Cake to bring fresh flavor into our healthy routines without skipping a beat. It’s a simple way to savor sweetness while staying on track with SmartPoints.
We’re confident you’ll love how it balances taste and wellness so let’s get baking and make every treat count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Weight Watchers Lemon Cake Recipe?
This recipe is a delicious, diet-friendly dessert that uses the SmartPoints system to keep things light. It features fresh lemon flavors for a tangy, moist cake, made with simple ingredients like non-fat Greek yogurt and a sugar substitute. At just 4 SmartPoints per serving, it’s perfect for health-conscious eaters looking for a sweet treat without guilt.
How many SmartPoints does the lemon cake have per serving?
The cake base is 3 SmartPoints, with an additional point for frosting, totaling 4 SmartPoints per serving. This makes it an easy fit for Weight Watchers plans, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful dessert while staying on track with your daily points.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda, plus wet ones such as non-fat Greek yogurt, a granulated sugar substitute, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and unsweetened applesauce. These align with SmartPoints and create a tangy, moist cake that’s both healthy and tasty.
How do I prepare the Weight Watchers Lemon Cake?
Preheat your oven and grease a 9-inch pan. Mix dry ingredients separately from wet ones (like yogurt and lemon juice), then fold them together gently. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until golden. Cool on a wire rack for the best texture—total time is about 45-60 minutes for a simple, diet-friendly result.
What equipment is required to bake this cake?
You’ll need a preheated oven, a non-stick 9-inch cake pan, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or electric mixer, a lemon zester, a spatula, and a wire rack for cooling. These basic tools ensure smooth preparation and a perfectly baked cake.
Can I make the lemon cake ahead of time?
Yes, prep dry ingredients, lemon zest, juice, and wet mixtures up to 24 hours in advance for freshness. Bake as needed, then store the cooled cake wrapped tightly. This helps streamline your baking while keeping the cake moist and flavorful.
How should I store the baked Weight Watchers Lemon Cake?
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain moisture and flavor. For best results, use airtight containers to keep it fresh and diet-friendly.