Introduction:

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that many enjoy, but when you are following a healthy eating plan like Weight Watchers (WW), it’s essential to find lighter versions that still deliver that same indulgent flavor. The WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream recipe provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture—rich banana bread flavor with a light, fluffy cake-like consistency. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that aligns with your weight loss or wellness goals.

In this detailed, professional recipe guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making this WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream. From ingredients and step-by-step instructions to nutritional information and WW SmartPoints, you’ll find everything you need to make this treat without compromising your WW plan. Plus, you’ll get helpful tips on how to customize the recipe for various preferences, as well as nutritional breakdowns for each serving to keep track of your points.

Ingredients for WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream:

The ingredients used in this recipe are all carefully selected to keep the cake moist, flavorful, and within the parameters of a low-calorie, low-SmartPoint dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Banana Bread Cake:

  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed – make sure they are ripe for maximum sweetness)
  • 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon of baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth and flavor)
  • 2 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce (to replace oil and reduce calories)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup of non-fat plain Greek yogurt (adds moisture without the added fat)
  • 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (to lightly sweeten the cake)
  • ¼ cup of unsweetened almond milk (or any low-calorie milk of your choice)
  • ¼ cup of walnuts or pecans (optional, for a crunchy texture)

For the Cream Topping:

  • ½ cup of non-fat Greek yogurt (or a whipped topping if you prefer)
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract (to enhance flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, for a festive touch)
  • Fresh banana slices (for garnish, optional)

Note: This recipe is adaptable. If you’re looking to reduce the SmartPoints further, you can skip the nuts or use a sugar substitute in place of honey or maple syrup.

Equipment Needed:

To make the WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan (for baking the cake)
  • Mixing bowls (for combining wet and dry ingredients)
  • Whisk or electric mixer (for mixing the cake batter)
  • Spatula (for spreading the batter evenly in the pan)
  • Oven mitts (for safely removing the cake from the oven)
  • Cooling rack (for allowing the cake to cool before frosting)
  • Measuring cups and spoons (for precise ingredient measurements)
  • Small bowl (for making the creamy topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This ensures that the cake will release easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they form a smooth paste. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Add the 2 large eggs and 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce to the mashed bananas and mix well. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ cup of Greek yogurt, and ¼ cup of unsweetened almond milk. These ingredients will help add moisture and contribute to the fluffiness of the cake.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The combination of baking soda and baking powder ensures the cake will rise nicely, while the cinnamon adds a subtle warmth to the flavor profile.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this could result in a dense cake. If you like, you can fold in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of baking to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake prevents the cream topping from melting when added.

Step 7: Make the Cream Topping

While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the creamy topping. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of non-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This topping provides a luscious, healthier alternative to traditional whipped cream.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the banana bread cake has cooled completely, spread the cream topping evenly over the surface of the cake using a spatula. You can garnish with fresh banana slices or extra nuts if you like. For a festive touch, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of honey adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

Here’s the nutritional information for one serving of the WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream, based on 16 servings (for the whole cake):

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Net Carbs: 24g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

For those following Weight Watchers (WW), this WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream is a delicious, low-SmartPoints dessert. Depending on your WW plan (Green, Blue, or Purple), the SmartPoints per serving are:

  • SmartPoints (Green Plan): 4 points per slice
  • SmartPoints (Blue Plan): 5 points per slice
  • SmartPoints (Purple Plan): 4 points per slice

The SmartPoints value can vary slightly depending on the ingredients you use, particularly if you opt for a different sweetener or substitute the Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option.

Tips for Making the Best WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream:

  1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. If your bananas are very ripe, you might even notice natural caramelized flavors, which will add to the overall taste.
  2. Add More Spice: If you enjoy spices like nutmeg or ginger, you can add a 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a more aromatic twist.
  3. Customize the Topping: The cream topping can be made richer or lighter depending on your preference. You can replace Greek yogurt with whipped cream for a more indulgent treat or keep it lighter with fat-free yogurt.
  4. Bake Ahead: This cake can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
  5. Boost the Texture: For extra texture, you can fold in unsweetened shredded coconut or raisins to the batter before baking. This adds a chewy component that complements the moist cake.
  6. Serving Suggestions: This cake can be served for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. It also works beautifully as part of a holiday dessert spread.

Conclusion:

The WW Banana Bread Cake with Cream offers all the delicious flavor of traditional banana bread with a lighter, healthier twist. It’s a perfect treat for anyone following a Weight Watchers plan, as it provides the satisfaction of a comforting dessert without sacrificing your goals. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or at a gathering, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

With its perfect balance of banana sweetness, lightness, and creamy topping, this dessert proves that you can enjoy delicious, indulgent treats without compromising on health. Enjoy a slice (or two) of this low SmartPoints dessert, knowing you’re staying on track with your wellness journey!