Irresistible Weight Watchers Friendly Banana Strawberry Jam Loaf with Crumble Topping
There are some culinary experiences that linger in your memory, inspiring you to recreate that magic in your own kitchen. For me, that moment arrived during a recent stay at a charming hotel. My husband and I were treated to a delightful continental breakfast delivered right to our room, and on that elegant tray sat a small, utterly divine strawberry loaf crowned with a sweet, crumbly topping. It was pure bliss—a taste sensation that was truly “to die for.”
While that tiny loaf was heavenly, I couldn’t help but think about its potential calorie count. Knowing my commitment to a Weight Watchers (WW) friendly lifestyle, I suspected each delectable slice was probably more points than I typically aimed for. But hey, a small indulgence is part of a balanced life, and I savored every bite! As soon as I finished, I declared, “I must find a way to recreate this incredible strawberry loaf, but in a healthier, WW-friendly version!”
The challenge was immediate: fresh strawberries in Ontario were proving quite elusive and astronomically priced at $7.99/lb. This called for some creative thinking. What could capture that sweet strawberry essence without breaking the bank or piling on points? The answer became clear: strawberry jam! By opting for a lower-sugar strawberry jam, I could infuse the loaf with intense berry flavor while keeping the overall sugar content in check. To add natural sweetness, moisture, and bulk without a significant point increase, I also decided to incorporate ripe bananas. Bananas are a fantastic secret weapon in healthy baking, contributing a rich texture and delightful sweetness that allows for less added sugar and fat.
The result of this culinary experiment exceeded all expectations. This Banana Strawberry Jam Loaf quickly became one of my absolute favorite baked goods to date. It’s incredibly moist, packed with fruity flavor, and the sugar crumble on top? Oh my goodness, it’s absolutely heavenly! That sweet, slightly crunchy topping adds a textural contrast that elevates the whole experience. You won’t believe something this delicious can be so light.
This recipe yields 10 generously sized slices, with each serving coming in at just 4 points on all three MyWW programs (blue, green & purple). It’s a perfect option for a guilt-free breakfast, a satisfying snack with your afternoon coffee, or even a light dessert. It truly demonstrates that you don’t have to compromise on flavor when you’re eating mindfully. The combination of sweet banana and vibrant strawberry jam creates a comforting, homely taste that’s hard to resist. This loaf is a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can produce something truly extraordinary and nourishing.
Crafting this loaf at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing for healthier choices like the 0% plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, which adds protein and moistness without excess fat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors and textures. The ripeness of the bananas is key, as they contribute most of the natural sweetness, reducing the need for additional sugar in the batter. The touch of vanilla further enhances the aroma and taste, making each bite an aromatic delight.
When preparing the crumble topping, you’ll find it adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft, moist interior of the loaf. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, transforming a simple loaf into a bakery-worthy treat. The reduced-fat margarine used in the crumble is another smart swap that keeps this recipe lighter, aligning perfectly with Weight Watchers principles.
Banana Strawberry Jam Loaf
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites, I buy the “just egg whites” cartons, 1/4 cup is 2
- 2 mashed ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla greek yogurt 0%
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam, I use a less sugar kind
- Crumble topping
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2.5 Tbsp flour
- 3/4 Tbsp melted reduced fat margarine
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F, spray a regular sized loaf pan. Ensure your loaf pan is adequately greased or sprayed to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your beautifully baked loaf.
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In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and baking soda. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure even distribution, which is crucial for the loaf to rise properly.
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In a separate, smaller bowl, use an electric mixer to beat your mashed bananas and the whole egg until smooth. Then, fold in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.
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Gently pour the wet ingredients mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Mix everything well until no streaks of dry flour remain. The batter will be notably thick, which is perfectly normal and contributes to the loaf’s dense, moist texture. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
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Carefully spoon about two-thirds of your thick batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This forms the first layer for your jam swirl.
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Transfer your strawberry jam into a small zip-lock bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag to create a piping tool, then drizzle the jam generously over the batter in the pan. Follow by topping with the remaining one-third of the batter, gently spreading it out. Don’t worry if some of the jam peaks through; it adds to the visual appeal.
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For the delectable crumble topping, in another small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2.5 tablespoons of flour. Add the melted reduced-fat margarine and use your fingertips or a fork to mix until a crumbly texture is formed. Sprinkle this delicious crumble evenly over the top of the loaf batter in the pan.
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Bake the loaf in your preheated oven for approximately 40-43 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your loaf is ready. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into 10 equal pieces. Each serving counts as 4 personal points and 4 freestyle smart points on all three MyWW programs. Please note, when calculating Weight Watchers points, I personally do not add bananas into the points calculation, as I typically do not count fruit points whether consumed alone or in a recipe for points plus and smart points. However, the comprehensive nutritional information provided below *does* include the bananas, which might affect the point value if you input these numbers directly into a points calculator that counts fruit.
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Nutritional info (adapted from MyFitnessPal and includes fruit) Per serving.. Calories 143.. Fat 1.2g… Saturated fat 0.3g… Carbohydrates 30.2… Fiber 2.2g… Sugars 10.2g… Protein 4.2g
Additional Info
This delightful Banana Strawberry Jam Loaf isn’t just for breakfast. It makes a fantastic midday snack, a lovely accompaniment to a cup of tea, or even a light, wholesome dessert. Its versatility means it can fit into any part of your day, providing a sweet treat without derailing your healthy eating goals. The subtle tang of the strawberry jam swirls beautifully with the natural sweetness of the banana, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
For those interested in meal prepping, this loaf is an excellent candidate. It stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for several days, and it can also be frozen for longer enjoyment. Simply slice the cooled loaf, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When a craving strikes, just grab a slice, thaw it at room temperature, or warm it gently in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy mornings or when you need a quick, healthy snack on the go.
Beyond its delicious taste and Weight Watchers friendly points, this loaf offers a good source of fiber from the flour and bananas, and a decent amount of protein from the eggs and Greek yogurt, making it a satisfying and wholesome choice. The use of egg whites in addition to a whole egg helps keep the fat content down while maintaining a light, airy texture. Remember, selecting a “less sugar” strawberry jam is crucial for managing the overall sugar content and Weight Watchers points, so be sure to check labels when shopping for ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! While strawberry jam is wonderful, you could try other low-sugar jams like raspberry or mixed berry for a different twist. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter could also add a warm, cozy flavor dimension. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of rolled oats on top of the crumble before baking can provide an even chewier texture and additional fiber.
We believe that healthy eating should never be boring or restrictive, and this Banana Strawberry Jam Loaf is a perfect example of that philosophy. It’s proof that you can enjoy incredibly tasty baked goods while still staying on track with your health and wellness journey. Give this recipe a try and share your results! We love seeing your creations and hearing how you’ve made these recipes your own.