Lightened Up Coffee Cake Recipe | WW Friendly, Low-Calorie

This Lightened Up Coffee Cake is a guilt-free twist on the classic coffee cake, offering all the flavor and warmth without the extra calories. Packed with a tender crumb, swirled cinnamon filling, and a delightful crumb topping, it’s a healthier version that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan.

With only 4 WW Points per serving, it’s a great way to enjoy your sweet treats while staying on track with your health goals. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend brunch, a cozy gathering, or just a simple snack, this low-calorie coffee cake is sure to satisfy!

Imagine you’re cozy at home, wrapped in a blanket on a Saturday morning. You’ve got your coffee in hand, and the craving for something warm, sweet, and cinnamon hits you. Normally, you’d grab a slice of some calorie-bomb cake. But not today!

Today, you’re pulling out a lighter, WW-friendly masterpiece. This coffee cake is the makeover we all needed.

With unsweetened applesauce and zero-point sweeteners, we’re trimming the fat (literally), but keeping that crumbly, cinnamon magic alive. You’re about to taste a cake that whispers “I’m healthy” but screams, “I’m delicious!”

Table of Contents

Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)

Let me tell you, this baby delivers all the feels of the traditional coffee cake: the warm, cinnamon swirl, that buttery crumb topping, and the moist cake you love—minus the guilt!

This recipe is the kitchen equivalent of wearing your favorite jeans and realizing they still fit perfectly after a big meal. Satisfaction? Check! Guilt? Zero.

1. Guilt-Free Indulgence
   This Lightened Up Coffee Cake is your perfect partner in crime when those sweet cravings hit hard but you still want to stay on track with your health goals. It’s like getting a high-five from the universe saying, “Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too.”
2. All the Flavor, None of the Regret
   The moist cake base gets its texture from applesauce or Greek yogurt—whichever mood you’re in, they both do the trick. And guess what? It skips the usual fat-packed oils and butter, but I swear, you won’t even notice the difference!
3. That Crumbly Topping Though…
   You know that buttery, cinnamon crumb topping? Yep, it’s here in full force. We’ve just lightened it up with some light butter and zero-point sweeteners. But fear not! It’s still that delicious, crunchy goodness that makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds).
4. Weight Watchers Friendly
   At just 4 WW Points per serving, this cake fits like a glove into your WW plan. You don’t have to sacrifice your points budget to enjoy something sweet. It’s literally dessert without the drama.
5. Customizable for Everyone
   Are you dairy-free? Gluten-free? This cake says, “No worries!” Swap in unsweetened almond milk or gluten-free flour, and you’re good to go. It’s the cake that understands you and your dietary quirks.
6. Perfect for Any Occasion
   Whether it’s brunch with friends, a family gathering, or just you and your slippers, this cake is the ultimate chameleon. It’s just as comfortable being the centerpiece of a fancy brunch as it is hanging out on your kitchen counter for an afternoon snack.

So, here’s my personal guarantee: this Lightened Up Coffee Cake will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you feeling light and breezy—both in the kitchen and in life. Now go on, grab that spatula and let’s get baking!

Ingredients Needed:

This lightened-up coffee cake is simple to make and even easier to customize for different dietary preferences. It can be adjusted to be dairy-free, gluten-free, or even vegan without losing any of its delicious flavor. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious, healthier version of a low-calorie coffee cake.

• Unsweetened applesauce or nonfat Greek yogurt
• Zero-point white sweetener (Lakanto Monkfruit is recommended)
• Skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Zero-point brown sugar sweetener or regular brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Light butter, melted

For the Crumb Topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Zero-point brown sugar sweetener or regular brown sugar
• Light butter, slightly melted
• Ground cinnamon

How to Make Our Lightened-Up Coffee Cake

This healthier coffee cake is super simple to make. Here’s an overview of the main steps:

1. Prepare Wet Ingredients: Mix applesauce (or Greek yogurt), milk, sweetener, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl. This keeps the cake moist without adding unnecessary fats.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined—be sure not to overmix to avoid a dense texture.
3. Layer with Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half the batter into a prepared baking pan, then add the cinnamon swirl by mixing butter, brown sugar sweetener, and cinnamon. Swirl it in with a knife and top with the remaining batter.
4. Add Crumb Topping: Create a crumbly topping by mixing flour, brown sugar sweetener, butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle it generously over the top.
5. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Storage Tips and Serving Suggestions

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature Storage
   If you manage not to eat the entire thing right out of the oven (trust me, it’s hard), you can store your coffee cake at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. This will keep that crumb topping crispy and the cake moist.
2. Refrigerator Storage
   Want to stretch the life of your cake a bit longer? Pop it into the fridge! Wrapped up nice and tight (either in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil), your coffee cake can last for up to 1 week. Pro tip: warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave before serving—it brings back all that fresh-from-the-oven goodness!
3. Freezing for Later
   Have a self-control level that allows you to actually freeze baked goods? (Teach me your ways!) This coffee cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I suggest slicing it into individual portions before freezing, so you can grab a slice whenever you need a quick treat. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or give it a quick zap in the microwave.

Serving Tips:

1. Best When Warm
   Trust me when I say this cake is at its absolute best when it’s still warm. It’s like a hug in dessert form. If you can’t eat it right out of the oven (or the next day), warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The crumb topping gets all warm and gooey again, and the cinnamon swirl tastes like a dream.
2. Pair with Your Favorite Beverage
   You really can’t go wrong serving this Lightened Up Coffee Cake alongside a cup of coffee or tea. But if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a latte or some spiced chai tea for those cozy vibes. Morning, afternoon, or night—it’s perfect anytime.
3. Serve with a Light Topping
   While this cake holds its own, you can level it up by serving it with a dollop of light whipped cream or even a spoonful of fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt. If you’re feeling a little extra, drizzle a bit of sugar-free caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Boom! Instant dessert upgrade.
4. Perfect for Brunch or Gatherings
   This cake isn’t just a treat for you— it’s also the MVP of any brunch table. Whether you’re hosting a small family breakfast or a full-on holiday brunch, this cake is an easy crowd-pleaser. It’s got that “just fancy enough” vibe that will make everyone think you worked harder than you did (we’ll keep that part a secret).

So there you have it! Whether you’re storing it for later or pulling it fresh out of the oven, this Lightened Up Coffee Cake is ready to be your new favorite go-to treat.

FAQs for Lightened Up Coffee Cake Recipe

1. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend, and boom – you’ve got yourself a delicious gluten-free coffee cake. No one will even know the difference.

2. Is this cake vegan?

It can be! Just use almond milk and swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). Voila! You’ve got yourself a vegan version of this cake.

3. How long does this coffee cake last?

If it lasts more than a day (good luck with that), store it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Hello, meal prep!

4. Can I use regular sugar instead of a sweetener?

Yes, you can use regular white and brown sugar instead of zero-point sweeteners. However, this will increase the calorie count and the WW Points value.

5. What’s the best way to serve this coffee cake?

Serve it slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add a dollop of light whipped cream or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup for an extra treat.

Print Recipe

Delicious

Lightened Up Coffee Cake Recipe | WW Friendly, Low-Calorie

Author: Julie Recipes Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Dessert, Snacks & Appetizers, Weight Watcher Desert, Weight Watcher Snack, Weight Watchers Recipes Recipe Keys: Baking Gluten Free Kid-Friendly Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Temp: 175  °C Servings: 9 Estimated Cost: $ 9 Calories: 145

Best Season: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall, Autumn

Dietary:

V Vegetarian W Weight Watchers Friendly W Weight Watchers Recipes

Description

Enjoy a healthier take on classic coffee cake with this lightened-up version that’s WW-friendly, using wholesome ingredients like applesauce and zero-point sweeteners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• ¹⁄₂ cup unsweetened applesauce or nonfat Greek yogurt (I prefer applesauce for a lighter texture)
• ¹⁄₂ cup zero-point white sweetener (such as Lakanto Classic Monkfruit sweetener)
• ¹⁄₂ cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk (great for a dairy-free coffee cake option)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free coffee cake)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¹⁄₂ cup zero-point brown sugar sweetener or regular brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp light butter, melted

Ingredients for the Crumb Topping:

• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup zero-point brown sugar sweetener or regular brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp light butter, slightly melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside. This step will ensure your lightened up coffee cake doesn’t stick to the pan while baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk), zero-point sweetener, egg, and vanilla extract. If you're using Greek yogurt instead of applesauce, the batter may appear thicker. Simply add a little more almond milk to thin it out to the right consistency.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. Add flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently, making sure not to overmix. The key here is to create a smooth batter for the cake without making it dense.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking pan. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar sweetener, and ground cinnamon. Pour this cinnamon mixture over the first layer of batter and use a knife to create a beautiful cinnamon swirl. Add the remaining batter on top.

Step 5: Create the Crumb Topping

1. In another bowl, combine the light butter, flour, brown sugar sweetener, and ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients until they form a crumbly consistency. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the lightened up coffee cake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before slicing it into 9 equal squares.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 9

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 145kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 4g7%

Total Carbohydrate 26g9%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 3g6%

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Points per serving 4

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Let me tell you, the first time I made this Lightened Up Coffee Cake, my house was filled with the smell of cinnamon goodness, and I swear, it was like the Pied Piper for my family. My husband, who usually raises an eyebrow at “healthy” desserts, dove in without hesitation. One bite, and he looked at me with wide eyes, “Wait, this is light?!” My kids were all in too—crumbs everywhere but smiles on their faces. It’s now a go-to recipe for our weekend brunches, and honestly, they never even miss the traditional sugar-loaded version. Total family win!

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