The Best Homemade Red Velvet Pound Cake You’ll Ever Bake

Indulge in the rich, velvety allure of red velvet cake without straying from your Weight Watchers goals! This Homemade Red Velvet Pound Cake recipe slashes calories and SmartPoints while delivering the iconic crimson hue, moist crumb, and tangy cream cheese glaze you crave. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a decadent weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Guilt-Free Elegance: All the flavor of classic red velvet, minus the heavy points.
• Smart Swaps: Applesauce replaces oil, Greek yogurt adds moisture, and sugar substitute cuts calories.
• Crowd-Pleaser: No one will guess it’s Weight Watchers-friendly!
• Meal Prep Magic: Bake ahead and freeze for effortless celebrations.
• Versatile: Serve plain, with fresh berries, or a dollop of light whipped cream.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve or monk fruit)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel-based for vibrant color)
• 1/2 cup warm water

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz light cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, beat sugar substitute, applesauce, Greek yogurt, egg whites, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with warm water. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).

Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze

1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar substitute, vanilla, and 1 tbsp almond milk. Mix until creamy. Add more milk as needed for a drizzle-friendly consistency.

Glaze & Serve

1. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake. Slice into 12 pieces and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or fresh raspberries.

Nutritional Information

(Per slice, with glaze)

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 2g (naturally occurring)
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW SmartPoints: 5 (with sugar substitutes) or 7 (if using regular sugar).

Tips for Success

1. Natural Coloring: Use beet juice instead of food coloring for a dye-free option.
2. Add Crunch: Fold 1/4 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips into the batter (add 1 point per slice).
3. Buttermilk Hack: Substitute warm water with 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk for extra tang.
4. Freeze It: Wrap unfrosted slices in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Greek Yogurt & Applesauce: Replace butter and oil to slash fat while keeping the cake moist.
• Light Cream Cheese: Delivers the signature tangy glaze without the points overload.
• Portion Control: Pre-sliced servings prevent overindulgence.

Serving Ideas

• Brunch Star: Pair with a fruit salad and coffee for a festive morning treat.
• Holiday Centerpiece: Top with pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.
• Weekend Indulgence: Serve warm with a scoop of light vanilla ice cream (track points).

This Homemade Red Velvet Pound Cake is a triumph of flavor and smart eating. With its vibrant color, tender crumb, and creamy glaze, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent while aligning perfectly with your wellness journey. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be decadently delicious.