The Weight Watchers program, or WW+ as it’s called now, has been totally updated in the few years to be more whole-health focused. The new program focuses on healthy eating, exercise, sleep and even mental health (a total win in our book!). I used Weight Watchers a few years ago to lose about 20 pounds before my wedding. Though I don’t follow it as religiously now, I still have the app on my phone and use it for recipe inspo (like Kate Hudson’s favorite zero-point salmon or Katie Lee’s cauliflower-based pasta sauce), workouts and even free guided meditations. Specifically, I still make one of my favorite WW-approved dessert recipes at least once a week: microwave “baked” apples. 

Woman's hands cutting apples on board   Credit: Getty Images / CentralITAlliance

I originally found this idea from Rachel’s Healthy Plate, but have adapted the recipe slightly based on my personal preferences. Her version calls for Stevia, water and cornstarch—but I leave out all of those ingredients. Instead, I combine one sliced apple (I love using my apple slicer and corer for easy prep. Buy it: $11 on OXO.com), a teaspoon of packed light brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl. Then I cover the bowl with plastic wrap (buy it: $4.59 at Target) and microwave everything for two to three minutes. Once heated, the apples start to soften and release their juices, and the pectin from the fruit causes everything to thicken into a caramel-like consistency. 

microwave apples weight watchers   Credit: Jaime Milan

The result is a delicious apple pie-like dessert that will make your kitchen smell incredible. Plus, the dessert is actually pretty healthy. Apples are a good source of fiber, cinnamon can help balance your blood sugar and there are only 4 grams of added sugar in this recipe. Not to mention, if you do follow WW, this dessert only has 1 point (and if you leave out the sugar, it’s totally free on the plan!). These are delicious eaten on their own, with ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

Craving more healthy apple desserts this fall? Our Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices, Apple Crisp and Apple Coffee Cake are always winners. 

Woman’s hands cutting apples on board Credit: Getty Images / CentralITAlliance

Woman’s hands cutting apples on board

Credit: Getty Images / CentralITAlliance

microwave apples weight watchers Credit: Jaime Milan

microwave apples weight watchers

Credit: Jaime Milan