Sweet & Simple: Delicious Blueberry Funfetti Loaf with Stevia In The Raw® for Healthier Baking
As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air signals the start of a new season, September brings with it the familiar rhythm of back-to-school routines. For many families, this means not only adjusting to new schedules but also seeking out wholesome, yet exciting, meal and snack ideas for lunchboxes. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh our baking repertoire with delightful recipes that kids will adore and parents can feel good about. Today, I’m thrilled to share a special creation that embodies this spirit: a scrumptious Blueberry Funfetti Loaf, crafted in partnership with Stevia In The Raw®. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are genuinely 100% my own, reflecting my authentic experience with this fantastic product.
Stevia In The Raw® is a game-changer for anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake without compromising on taste. Sourced from the natural extract of the sweet stevia plant leaves, it offers a zero-calorie sweetness that integrates seamlessly into a wide array of baking and cooking applications. Its natural origin makes it an excellent alternative to artificial sweeteners, appealing to those who prioritize wholesome ingredients. For this particular recipe, the goal was to create a treat that is not only bursting with flavor and visual appeal but also lighter on calories and sugar – a perfect pick-me-up for school lunches or an afternoon snack. This Blueberry Funfetti Loaf promises to be a hit with both children and adults, striking that ideal balance between indulgence and mindful eating.
One of the most remarkable features of Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag is its incredible convenience. It’s specifically formulated to measure cup for cup with traditional sugar, which eliminates the guesswork and complicated conversions often associated with sugar substitutes. This means you can effortlessly adapt many of your beloved family recipes, from cakes and cookies to muffins and loaves, by simply swapping out sugar for Stevia In The Raw® without altering the liquid or dry ingredient ratios. This ease of use makes healthier baking more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned culinary enthusiasts.
Beyond its straightforward application, the benefits of incorporating Stevia In The Raw® into your baking are substantial. By replacing just one cup of sugar with Stevia In The Raw®, you can save an impressive amount – up to 700 calories! This significant reduction in calories and sugar content makes it an invaluable tool for those managing their weight, monitoring blood sugar levels, or simply aiming for a more balanced diet. It’s an effective way to enjoy the sweet treats you love while making a positive impact on your overall wellness journey.
However, it’s important to understand a key recommendation when baking with Stevia In The Raw® to achieve the best results. For optimal browning, proper rising, and that desirable caramelization that sugar uniquely provides, it’s advised to replace about half of the total sugar in your recipe with Stevia In The Raw®. Sugar plays a crucial role in the structure and texture of baked goods, contributing to moisture, tenderness, and crust development through the Maillard reaction. By maintaining some of the original sugar, you ensure your baked goods retain these essential characteristics, resulting in a delicious loaf that doesn’t compromise on quality or appearance. This balanced approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of reduced sugar and calories while still achieving that perfect golden-brown crust and moist, fluffy interior.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: this delightful Blueberry Funfetti Loaf. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and joy. This loaf is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect baking project for a busy weekend or even a quick weekday evening. The combination of juicy, bursting blueberries and vibrant funfetti sprinkles creates a sensory experience that’s hard to resist. The sweet-tart notes of the blueberries perfectly complement the subtle sweetness from the Stevia In The Raw®, while the sprinkles add a playful touch of color and texture that makes every slice an instant mood-lifter.
Sprinkles have an undeniable magic, especially for kids. Imagine their faces lighting up when they discover a slice of this colorful, fruity loaf in their lunchbox! It’s a wonderful way to add a bit of cheer and make their day extra special, turning an ordinary school lunch into a delightful moment. But the appeal isn’t limited to children; adults will find themselves equally charmed by its delicious taste and charming appearance. It’s the kind of treat that feels indulgent, yet aligns beautifully with a mindful eating plan.
Speaking of mindful eating, one of the most appealing aspects of this Blueberry Funfetti Loaf is its impressive nutritional profile. Each serving is just 4 Smart Points (for those following the Weight Watchers program), or 3 Points Plus under the old system. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying sweet treat without derailing their healthy lifestyle goals. The careful balance of ingredients, including the use of Stevia In The Raw®, allows for a lower-calorie and lower-sugar option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. It’s proof that you can have your cake (or loaf!) and eat it too, truly making healthy eating a joyous and sustainable endeavor.
Blueberry funfetti loaf
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp liquid egg whites, I buy the carton
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup milk, I used 1%
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 3/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup frozen wild blueberries, fresh can be replaced but best to use small berries
- 3 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F, spray a regular size loaf pan with some cooking spray.
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In a bowl whisk together your egg, egg whites, sugar and Stevia In The Raw®.
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Stir in your apple sauce, milk and vanilla.
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Mix in flour, baking powder and soda, and stir well. Gently fold in your blueberries and sprinkles.
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Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 40-42 minutes until top is golden brown.
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Let cool then cut into 10 equal pieces, each serving is 4 smart points (3 points plus, old WW program).
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Nutritional info per serving (not incl blueberries) Calories 129… Fat 2g…Sat fat 0.2g…Carbs 23.6g…Fiber 0.7g…Sugars 7.3g…Protein 3.8g
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Loaf best stored in fridge, freeze after a few days.
Additional Info
Achieving baking perfection often comes down to a few simple techniques. When preparing this Blueberry Funfetti Loaf, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the egg and milk, as this helps them emulsify better and results in a smoother, more uniform batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added; overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough, dry loaf. A gentle hand when folding in the blueberries and sprinkles will also help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan and ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the loaf, creating a beautiful marbling effect.
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, if wild blueberries aren’t available, regular fresh or frozen blueberries will work just as well, though smaller berries tend to distribute more evenly and burst less during baking, preserving the loaf’s appearance. You could also introduce a hint of citrus by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter, which beautifully brightens the blueberry flavor. For an added layer of texture and nuttiness, consider folding in a quarter cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. And of course, the funfetti sprinkles can be swapped out for chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even a different color scheme of sprinkles for special occasions.
Proper storage is key to keeping your loaf fresh and delicious. Once cooled, this Blueberry Funfetti Loaf is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness, especially given its fruit content. It will keep well for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping your week’s snacks or breakfast. If you’ve baked a larger batch or want to enjoy it even longer, the loaf freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a quick and comforting treat. This makes it incredibly convenient to always have a healthier, homemade option ready to go.
I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delightful Blueberry Funfetti Loaf as much as I do. It’s a testament to how easily you can incorporate healthier alternatives like Stevia In The Raw® into your daily life without sacrificing the joy and satisfaction that comes from homemade treats. Happy baking!