Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of Thanksgiving without derailing your Weight Watchers plan, this Thanksgiving Cake is the answer. Packed with fresh apples, dried cranberries, and warm spices, it’s the perfect balance of festive flavors and wholesome ingredients. At just 5 WW points per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy something sweet alongside the pumpkin and apple pies. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and uses simple pantry staples, making it ideal for busy holiday kitchens. Whether you’re hosting or contributing to the dessert table, this cake is sure to impress!
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
For a delicious Thanksgiving Cake, you’ll need 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour as the base, leavened with 1 teaspoon baking powder and ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and balanced with ¼ teaspoon table salt. Sweeten it with ⅔ cup granulated sugar, and add texture with ⅓ cup no-sugar-added dried cranberries and ⅓ cup chopped walnuts. Include 2 small or 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and sliced, for a fresh fruit touch, and moisten with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 eggs, and ¾ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt. For flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Prepare the Oven and Pan
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 or 9-inch round baking pan.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
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In one bowl, combine the dry ingredients, and in another, whisk the wet ingredients (except for apples, cranberries, and walnuts).
Combine and Rest the Batter
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Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form the batter, then stir in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
Transfer and Top with Apples
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan, then arrange apple slices on top, pressing them gently into the batter.
Bake the Cake
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Bake for 45-55 minutes, covering the cake for the last 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. The cake is done when it springs back to the touch.
Variations and Substitutions
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To reduce the points in this recipe, try using a zero-calorie sweetener as a 1:1 replacement for sugar, and adjust the points in the WW app. If you prefer frosting, this cake pairs wonderfully with a glaze, buttercream, or cream cheese frosting—just remember to wait for it to cool before adding the topping. For added texture or flavor, you can mix in ingredients like chopped pecans, pears, raisins, or even caramel morsels if you have extra points. For a festive touch, decorate the cake with Thanksgiving-themed toppers. If you’d like to make individual portions, you can bake the batter in a lined cupcake pan, but be sure to par-cook the apples as the cupcakes will bake faster.
Tips and Tricks
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To make the perfect Thanksgiving cake, enjoy it fresh and warm from the oven, topped with powdered sugar or your favorite toppings. For extra moisture, add apple pieces to the batter, but keep the amounts balanced with the nuts and cranberries. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for best results. Bake the cake on the middle shelf to ensure even cooking; the top shelf may cause the surface to burn. Avoid over-mixing the batter to maintain a smooth texture, and use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
