Bright, tangy, and impossibly moist, this Weight Watchers Lemon Cake is the kind of dessert that never fails to bring a smile. Bursting with real lemon flavor and made with a handful of smart swaps, it’s a treat you can feel good about indulging in. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just craving something sweet to go with your afternoon tea, this cake is simple to whip up and even easier to love. Every bite is a sunny, zesty celebration that fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (sugar-free if preferred, 15.25 oz)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Powdered sugar or light whipped topping
How to Make Weight Watchers Lemon Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This helps the cake release beautifully and makes for easy cleanup—always a win in my book!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, Greek yogurt, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest if you’re using it. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend everything together until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain, which should take just 1 to 2 minutes. This step is where all that vibrant lemon flavor comes together with the creamy yogurt for a luscious batter.
Step 3: Pour and Spread
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, then use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. You’ll notice the batter is a cheerful, pale yellow—just looking at it is enough to lift your spirits! Take a moment to smooth the top for an even bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to open the oven door too often, as you want to keep all that lovely rise in the cake.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing—this keeps the cake moist and helps you get nice, tidy squares. Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar or add a dollop of light whipped topping for a little extra flair. Now comes the best part: enjoying your homemade Weight Watchers Lemon Cake!
How to Serve Weight Watchers Lemon Cake
Garnishes
Sometimes it’s the little details that make a dessert feel special. For this cake, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a cloud of light whipped topping is all you need to make each piece look irresistible. If you love a pop of color, try adding a few curls of lemon zest or a couple of fresh raspberries on top for that bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Keep things refreshing by pairing your Weight Watchers Lemon Cake with a medley of fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad. If you’re serving it at a gathering, a scoop of low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt or a mug of herbal tea makes the perfect complement to the cake’s bright citrus flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and threading them onto skewers with pieces of fruit for a fun dessert kabob. You can also bake the batter as cupcakes (just reduce the baking time to 18–20 minutes) and top each with a swirl of whipped topping and a twist of lemon peel. However you serve it, this Weight Watchers Lemon Cake always stands out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Weight Watchers Lemon Cake as fresh as possible, store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen runs warm or you’re keeping it longer, pop the container in the fridge where it will stay moist and delicious for up to five days.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re in the mood for a treat, just thaw a slice at room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave.
Reheating
If you enjoy your cake a little warm, a quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave will bring it back to life—just be careful not to overdo it, or it might dry out. For a larger batch, you can reheat the cake (covered with foil) in a 300°F oven for about 5–10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is preferred for this recipe because it’s thicker and adds creaminess without extra liquid, but if you only have regular yogurt, you can use it—just expect a slightly lighter texture.
Is it okay to use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While lemon is the star here, you can use any citrus or even vanilla cake mix for a different twist. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change, but the Weight Watchers Lemon Cake method stays the same.
How can I make the lemon flavor even stronger?
If you want your Weight Watchers Lemon Cake to pack an extra citrus punch, add a few drops of pure lemon extract or increase the lemon zest as desired. Taste the batter before baking to adjust to your liking.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free lemon cake mix. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still end up with a moist, flavorful treat.
What’s the best way to serve this cake at a party?
For parties, cut the Weight Watchers Lemon Cake into small squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of whipped topping, and garnish with lemon slices or berries for a festive touch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying, you can’t go wrong with Weight Watchers Lemon Cake. It’s bright, light, and so easy to share—though it’s tempting to keep it all to yourself! Give it a try, and let this zesty cake become a regular on your baking list. Happy baking!
Print
Weight Watchers Lemon Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Weight Watchers Lemon Cake is a moist, low-fat dessert made with lemon cake mix and Greek yogurt for added protein and flavor. It’s easy to prepare, sugar-free options available, and perfect for a light yet tasty treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (sugar-free if preferred, 15.25 oz)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Powdered sugar or light whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest if using. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well incorporated, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Prepare Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or top with a dollop of light whipped topping for added sweetness before serving.
Notes
- This cake is low in fat and high in flavor thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt, which also adds protein.
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
- This recipe can be baked in cupcake form; simply reduce the baking time to 18–20 minutes.
- Using sugar-free lemon cake mix helps reduce calorie and sugar content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
