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Some desserts just feel like happiness — bright, comforting, and full of sunshine.
For me, that’s this Weight Watchers Lemon Cake — a soft, zesty, bakery-style cake that’s unbelievably light yet full of flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need oil-heavy batters or sugar-loaded frostings to create something special.
I first made this on a Sunday afternoon when I was craving something fresh and cheerful, but I wanted it to fit into my Weight Watchers plan without guilt. The result? A soft, tangy cake that feels indulgent yet comes in at only 2–3 SmartPoints per slice.
Every bite tastes like spring mornings, afternoon tea, and a touch of sunshine — all in one. 🍋✨
💛 What Makes This Lemon Cake Stand Out
This isn’t just another diet-friendly dessert. It’s a real, bakery-style cake that happens to be low in points.
Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it:
- 🍋 Real Lemon Flavor: Made with fresh lemon juice and zest — no artificial extracts.
- 🧁 Moist & Fluffy Texture: Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping it light.
- 💛 Low Points, Big Flavor: Only 2–3 SmartPoints per slice depending on your WW plan.
- 🕒 Quick & Easy: Ready in under 35 minutes start to finish.
- 🧊 Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
This is one of those bakes that makes you forget it’s “light” — it just tastes like cake should.
📝 Personal Blogger Note
If you’ve followed my WW recipes before, you know I’m obsessed with balance — flavor first, then macros.
This lemon cake came from a craving for my grandmother’s lemon drizzle loaf, but I wanted to modernize it — lighter, lower in sugar, but still with that nostalgic flavor and moist crumb.
The secret? Greek yogurt.
It replaces butter, adds moisture, and gives the cake an almost velvety texture. The lemon zest does the rest.
Now it’s my go-to dessert when I want something bright without spending my week’s points.
🧂 Equipment You’ll Need (and Why)
You don’t need fancy baking gear — just a few basics:
- Mixing Bowls (2): One for dry and one for wet ingredients. Keeps your batter smooth.
- Whisk: Helps blend yogurt and eggs evenly.
- 8×8-inch Pan or Loaf Pan: Perfect for a small batch; it rises just right.
- Zester or Grater: To get that fragrant lemon zest — essential for real flavor.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key in low-fat baking.
- Cooling Rack: Prevents soggy bottoms after baking.
🍋 Ingredients (Fresh, Simple & No Cans!)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat flour for more fiber)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup fat-free Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 2 large egg whites (adds lift without fat)
- ⅓ cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred zero-calorie sweetener)
- 1 tbsp light butter or coconut oil (optional, for extra softness)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
Optional Lemon Glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol
- 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions
- Greek Yogurt: Can sub with low-fat plain yogurt if needed (texture will be slightly less thick).
- Flour: Swap with Kodiak Power Cakes mix for extra protein, or almond flour for lower carbs.
- Sweetener: Use monk fruit or stevia blends — they measure cup-for-cup like sugar.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt and almond milk.
- Glaze Alternative: Mix vanilla protein powder with a touch of lemon juice for a protein glaze.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even rising.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, egg whites, erythritol, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix It Together
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Add the almond milk gradually until a smooth, pourable batter forms. Do not overmix — this keeps the crumb tender.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool completely on a rack.
Whisk together powdered erythritol and lemon juice for a tangy glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake for that glossy, bakery-style finish.
💫 Why You’ll Love It
- 🍋 Naturally zesty and refreshing
- 💛 Only 2–3 WW SmartPoints per slice
- 🍰 Moist crumb without oil overload
- 🕒 10-minute prep time
- ❄️ Great for meal prep and snack boxes
🩺 Health & Nutrition Insights
This recipe is all about smart swaps:
- Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics instead of fat.
- Egg whites give structure with minimal calories.
- Lemon adds flavor naturally — no need for excess sugar.
- Erythritol keeps it sweet but zero-point friendly.
You end up with a cake that’s energizing, refreshing, and balanced — perfect for Weight Watchers goals or any clean eating plan.
🍽️ Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
- Add a light dusting of powdered erythritol before serving.
- Enjoy with your morning coffee or evening tea.
- For dessert, top with sugar-free whipped cream and lemon zest curls.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Slice, wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10 seconds before serving — it tastes freshly baked again.
- Glaze Tip: Always glaze after cooling to avoid melting the topping.
💬 FAQ
1. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. It won’t affect flavor or rise.
2. How can I make it more lemony?
Add extra zest or a few drops of lemon extract, but don’t add more juice — it thins the batter.
3. Can I use regular sugar?
You can, but it’ll add 1–2 points per slice. Erythritol keeps it WW-friendly.
4. Can I bake it in muffin form?
Yes! Divide the batter into 9 muffin cups and bake 18–20 minutes.
5. Is it good without glaze?
Absolutely. It’s soft, moist, and lightly sweet — perfect on its own.
🍽️ Recipe Details
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings | Calories |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 mins | 25 mins | 35 mins | Dessert / Snack | American | 9 slices | ~85 |
🧮 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Slice)
- Calories: 85
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Net Carbs: 11g
- WW SmartPoints: 2–3

Weight Watchers Lemon Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ¾ cup fat-free Greek yogurt
- 2 egg whites
- ⅓ cup erythritol
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp light butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
- Combine gently until smooth.
- Pour into pan and bake 22–26 mins.
- Cool, drizzle glaze (optional), slice, and enjoy!