Skinny Pina Colada Angel Food Dream

Delicious 4-Ingredient Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake: Your Guilt-Free Tropical Escape

Prepare to be enchanted by the tropical flavors of this incredibly easy and delightful **4-ingredient Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake**. As a passionate fan of all things Pina Colada, creating this recipe has been one of my most inspired culinary achievements. This light and airy Weight Watchers cake offers a fantastic taste experience for just 9 WW points per serving (without artificial sweeteners), making it a perfect dessert for any gathering or a special treat for yourself.

Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake, garnished with pineapple and cherries

This dessert isn’t just another Weight Watchers recipe; it’s an elevated take on the classic pineapple angel food cake, infused with vibrant Pina Colada flavors that will transport you to a sunny beach with every bite. It’s an ideal choice for a celebratory occasion, a comforting Sunday night dinner, or a crowd-pleasing addition to a potluck or summer backyard BBQ. You’ll be astonished by its incredibly fluffy texture, and what’s even better is that no one will ever guess it’s a Weight Watchers-friendly creation!

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My family absolutely adored this cake! They devoured it with enthusiasm, completely unaware that it was a Weight Watchers recipe until I revealed the secret. That’s the beauty of this dessert – it delivers full flavor and an enjoyable texture without the typical “diet food” drawbacks.

I prioritize Weight Watchers cake recipes that don’t compromise on taste or texture and steer clear of that artificial sugar aftertaste. If you share this sentiment, I highly recommend trying my Weight Watchers Carrot Cake and my Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake. These recipes are so incredibly delicious and satisfying, you can proudly serve them to family and friends, and they’ll be none the wiser about their healthy origins!

A slice of Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake on a white plate

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Pina Colada Angel Food Cake

While the concept of Weight Watchers angel food cake with pineapple isn’t entirely new, this Pina Colada rendition truly elevates it to another level! I’ve infused it with additional tropical flair and a touch of creaminess that transforms the basic WW Pineapple Angel Food Cake into something far more exciting and flavorful. When I indulge in dessert, I want it to be truly worth every single point, and this cake certainly delivers on that promise.

For this exceptional Weight Watchers-friendly cake, you’ll only need four incredibly simple ingredients:

  • Angel Food Cake Mix: I opt for a regular angel food cake mix to avoid artificial sweeteners, ensuring a purer, more natural taste. The beauty of this recipe is how the dry mix reacts with the pineapple juice to create that signature airy texture without needing additional eggs or water as per box instructions.
  • Canned Crushed Pineapple (with juice): This is a dual-purpose ingredient! The natural acidity and moisture from the pineapple juice are crucial for activating the leavening agents in the cake mix, ensuring your cake rises beautifully and stays incredibly moist. The crushed pineapple pieces also add delightful bursts of tropical flavor and texture throughout the cake.
  • Coconut Extract/Flavoring: This potent extract is the secret to achieving that authentic Pina Colada taste. A small amount goes a long way in delivering a rich, creamy coconut flavor without adding extra fat or sugar. It’s a fantastic ingredient to keep on hand for other WW-friendly treats, like my Healthy Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles.
  • Light Coconut Milk: A touch of light coconut milk is added to enhance the creamy, tropical profile, contributing to the rich Pina Colada experience without significantly increasing the point value. It brings a subtle depth that distinguishes this cake from a standard pineapple angel food cake.

*Refer to the comprehensive recipe card below for the precise quantities and full list of ingredients.

📖 Variations & Smart Substitutions

This Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize it to your preferences or dietary needs with these simple variations:

  • Angel Food Cake Mix: If you’re looking to further reduce points and don’t mind artificial sweeteners, a sugar-free angel food cake mix can be used as a direct substitution. This will lower the overall calorie and point count, making it even lighter.
  • Pineapple Texture: While crushed pineapple is recommended for even distribution and moisture, you could experiment with small pineapple chunks for a more pronounced fruit bite. Just ensure they are well-drained if using canned chunks to maintain the right batter consistency.
  • Flavor Extracts: For a slightly different twist on the tropical theme, consider replacing coconut extract with rum extract. This can add a delicious, non-alcoholic “rum” flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully, enhancing the cocktail-inspired profile.
  • Alternative Garnishes: Beyond the traditional pineapple and cherries, fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries make a vibrant and healthy garnish. A sprinkle of lime zest can also add a refreshing zing.

🔪 How to Make Your Light & Fluffy WW Angel Food Cake

Creating this delicious Pina Colada Angel Food Cake is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a perfect, fluffy dessert:

PREP: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). It’s crucial to prepare your angel food cake pan properly. Spray it thoroughly with a nonstick cooking spray or apply Wilton Cake Release (an excellent affiliate product for ensuring easy removal).

Next, open your can of crushed pineapple (make sure it includes the liquid). Remove precisely 2 tablespoons of the pineapple juice and discard it. This slight adjustment to the liquid content is key to the cake’s perfect texture and rise.

Dry angel food cake mix, crushed pineapple, light coconut milk, and coconut extract in a mixing bowl
STEP 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry contents of the angel food cake mix (do not add any additional ingredients that might be suggested on the box). Then, add the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the remaining juice, along with 3 tablespoons of light coconut milk and the specified amount of coconut extract.

Mixed ingredients becoming frothy, showing the reaction between cake mix and pineapple
STEP 2: Gentle Mixing

Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir all the ingredients together until just combined. You’ll notice the mixture will begin to become frothy, which is a sign that the pineapple juice is reacting with the cake mix – this is exactly what you want! There’s no need for an electric mixer here; a gentle hand mix is perfect for maintaining the cake’s light texture.

Pina Colada Angel Food Cake batter poured into a greased angel food cake pan
STEP 3: Bake to Perfection

Carefully pour the frothy batter into your prepared angel food cake pan. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out completely clean. The cake should also have a beautiful golden-brown hue on top.

Cooling rack placed on top of the angel food cake pan, ready for flipping
STEP 4: Initial Cooling

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a pot holder. Allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the cake structure to set. After 5 minutes, run a thin spatula along the inner and outer edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Then, place a cooling rack directly on top of the pan, invert the entire assembly, and gently tap the bottom of the pan with a spatula to release the cake. Don’t fret if a small piece sticks; it can be discreetly reattached and will likely be covered by your chosen garnishes. Allow the cake to cool for an additional 5 minutes on the rack.

Trimmed brown edge of the angel food cake
STEP 5: Finishing & Garnishing

Once the cake has completely cooled, you can optionally trim off any overly browned edges using a serrated knife for a more polished presentation. Alternatively, leaving the edges as they are is perfectly fine. Then, carefully flip the cake back over onto a serving plate so the smooth, slightly smaller top is facing upwards.

Garnish: For an exquisite finish, gently pat pineapple pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess liquid, and likewise, dry off any liquid from maraschino cherries. Arrange them artfully on top of the cake. Finally, sprinkle generously with unsweetened coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flavor. For extra indulgence and creaminess, consider topping slices with fat-free Cool Whip or a light spray whipped cream (refer to the NOTES in the recipe card for recommendations).

Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake, beautifully garnished with pineapple and cherries, on a white serving plate

💡 Top Tip for Perfect Cake Release

Ensuring your angel food cake releases cleanly from the pan is crucial for a beautiful presentation. Here’s my top tip:

  1. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, place the hot pan on a pot holder and allow it to cool in the pan for exactly 5 minutes. This helps the cake to firm up slightly.
  2. After 5 minutes, gently run a thin, flexible spatula along both the inner and outer edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan.
  3. Place your cooling rack directly on top of the cake pan. With a firm grip on both the pan and the rack, quickly and confidently flip the entire assembly upside down. Once inverted, give the bottom of the pan a few gentle taps with your spatula. This tapping motion helps to dislodge the cake completely from the bottom of the pan.

**A little piece of the cake might occasionally stick to the bottom of the pan – don’t worry! Simply remove it and gently place it back onto the cake. Once garnished, this minor imperfection will be virtually unnoticeable.

Cooling rack placed on top of the angel food cake pan, ready for flipping, showing the optimal method

✅ Expert Recipe Tips for a Flawless Angel Food Cake

Angel food cakes are known for their delicate nature, but with these expert tips, you can achieve a perfect, ethereal texture every time:

  • Choose the Right Pan for the Best Texture: An angel food cake pan, typically a two-piece tube pan with a removable bottom, is ideal. Its ungreased sides allow the cake batter to climb and rise properly, resulting in that characteristic airy texture. If you must use a Bundt pan, ensure it is extremely well-greased with baking spray or a homemade cake release to prevent sticking, as angel food cakes are prone to adhering to intricate molds.
  • Do NOT Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most critical tip for angel food cake. After combining the dry mix with the pineapple and coconut milk, stir gently with a spoon or spatula *just until the ingredients are moistened and combined*. Overmixing will deflate the delicate air bubbles formed by the reaction of the pineapple juice, leading to a denser, less fluffy cake.
  • Cool the Cake Upside Down: To prevent the cake from collapsing on itself after baking, it’s essential to cool it upside down. Angel food cake pans often have “feet” or you can invert the entire pan onto the neck of a bottle. This allows gravity to gently pull the cake downwards, stretching and setting its delicate structure as it cools, resulting in a taller, lighter cake. Cool for at least 5-10 minutes in the pan before attempting to invert onto a rack.
  • Dry Your Garnishes Before Adding: For any fresh or canned fruit garnishes like pineapple slices or maraschino cherries, always pat them thoroughly dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture can leach into the cake, making it soggy in those spots and potentially affecting its delicate texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Coconut Extract: The coconut extract is vital for achieving the signature Pina Colada flavor profile. While a little goes a long way, don’t omit it. Stick to the recommended amount; too much can lead to an overpowering, artificial taste, but the right amount perfectly enhances the tropical notes.
  • Trim the Cake for a More Professional Look: After the cake has completely cooled, if you desire a perfectly pristine appearance, you can use a serrated knife to carefully trim any slightly browned or uneven edges. This step is purely optional but can give your cake a more polished and bakery-worthy presentation.
  • Use Cake Release for Easy Removal: For absolute confidence in removing your cake from the pan, especially if you’re not using a classic angel food pan, a high-quality cake release product like Wilton Cake Release is invaluable. Alternatively, you can make your own by combining equal parts flour, oil, and shortening, then brushing it generously onto the pan before adding batter.
  • Avoid Opening the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the temptation to peek! Opening the oven door too early, especially during the first 25 minutes of baking, can cause the sudden temperature drop to make your delicate angel food cake collapse. Wait until near the end of the baking time before checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  • Serve with Light Whipped Topping for Extra Creaminess: For an even more indulgent experience without adding excessive Weight Watchers points, serve each slice with a dollop of fat-free Cool Whip or a light spray whipped cream (brands like Dairyland or Gay Lea often provide a mere 1 WW point per 4 tbsp serving!). For a homemade, healthier option, consider making my ‘skinny whipped cream’ with evaporated milk.

🌡️ Storing Your Tropical Treat

This delicious Pina Colada Angel Food Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for entertaining. You can prepare and store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’re only storing it overnight, simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap. I don’t recommend making it more than 2 days in advance, as the cake’s delicate texture can start to dry out. Always add your beautiful garnishes just prior to serving to ensure they look their freshest.

Any leftover cake can be stored securely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its freshness and flavor. For longer storage, this cake also freezes exceptionally well! Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to defrost completely in the refrigerator before garnishing and serving.

🔢 Understanding the WW Point Value

This particular Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake recipe is a fantastic choice, coming in at **8 Weight Watchers SmartPoints per serving** (when made without artificial sweeteners). This makes it a satisfying and flavorful dessert that fits well within most daily point allowances. For those who are comfortable using artificial sweeteners and want to further reduce the point value, you can opt for a sugar-free angel food cake mix. This simple substitution can significantly lower the points per serving, offering an even lighter option.

👪 Serving Size Guidelines

This low-fat, flavorful cake recipe yields 12 generous servings. Each serving is calculated at 8 Weight Watchers points, excluding any optional garnishes like whipped cream or extra coconut flakes, which would need to be accounted for separately. If you prefer to serve larger slices, remember to adjust your Weight Watchers point calculation accordingly to stay on track with your goals.

🤔 What to Do with Leftover Light Coconut Milk?

You’ll likely have a bit of light coconut milk left over after making this delightful cake. Don’t let it go to waste! It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used to create other delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly treats. Why not try making my WW Friendly Vegan Coconut Lime Nice Cream? It’s a wonderfully refreshing dessert that you can keep in your freezer, ready for your next sweet craving!

And speaking of Pina Colada flavors, you absolutely must give my Healthy Pina Colada Mocktail (WW friendly) a try! It’s another fantastic way to use up any remaining light coconut milk and enjoy that beloved tropical taste in a refreshing, guilt-free drink.

❔ Common Recipe FAQs

Why did my angel food cake not rise properly?

Several factors can affect your angel food cake’s rise. Firstly, ensure you are **only using the dry cake mix** and are not following any liquid-addition instructions on the box. The acidity in the pineapple juice reacts specifically with the cake mix to create the necessary rise, so it’s vital not to drain all the juice. Secondly, avoid over-mixing the batter; gentle stirring until just combined is key to preserving air bubbles. Lastly, resist opening the oven door too early during baking, as a sudden temperature change can cause the delicate cake structure to collapse.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Canned crushed pineapple (with its juice) is highly recommended for this recipe. The processing of canned pineapple often helps break down enzymes that can interfere with the cake’s setting, and crucially, the consistent moisture content of the juice is essential for activating the cake mix. If you must use fresh pineapple, you’ll need to blend it very finely with an adequate amount of pineapple juice (either from fresh pineapple or a small amount of canned juice) to achieve the correct liquid ratio and consistency required for the cake to rise properly.

Can I use full-fat coconut milk instead of light?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk, but be aware that this will increase the overall calorie count and, consequently, the Weight Watchers points per serving. Light coconut milk is specifically chosen for this recipe to keep the cake lower in fat while still providing that wonderful, creamy coconut flavor essential for the Pina Colada profile. If point values are a concern, sticking to light coconut milk is advisable.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a truly delicious and satisfying Weight Watchers cake recipe that avoids artificial sweeteners, this elevated Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake is an absolute must-try! It brings tropical joy to your dessert table without the guilt.

Craving more of that delightful Pina Colada flavor? Be sure to try my Healthy Pina Colada Mocktail as well for a refreshing drink option!

Discover More Delicious Weight Watchers Cakes

If you loved this Pina Colada Angel Food Cake, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic Weight Watchers-friendly cake recipes. Each one is designed to be flavorful, satisfying, and mindful of your points:

  • Healthy & Light Carrot Cake
  • Baileys No Bake Cheesecake
  • Lemon Daffodil Cake
  • Microwave Chocolate Banana Mug Cake (WW Mug Cake)

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Weight Watchers Pineapple Pina Colada Cake on a white plate with tropical garnish
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📋 Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake Recipe

This Weight Watchers Pina Colada Angel Food Cake is an effortlessly delicious dessert made with just 4 simple ingredients. It’s only 9 WW points per serving (without artificial sweeteners), making it perfect for any occasion – from a festive celebration or a comforting Sunday dinner to a delightful contribution for a potluck or summer BBQ!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, North American
Special Diet: Vegetarian, Weight Watchers
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 160kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Equipment

  • angel food cake pan
  • cooling rack
  • spatula
  • serrated knife

Ingredients

  • 1 box of angel food cake mix * I use regular but you can use sugar-free to bring down the points
  • 388 ml -can of crushed pineapple w/the juice
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract
  • 3 tablespoon light coconut milk

Garnish

  • pineapple rings
  • maraschino cherries
  • unsweetened coconut flakes
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F/ 175 degrees C and spray an angel food cake pan with non-stick cooking spray or Wilton Cake Release.
  • Open the can of crushed pineapple and remove 2 tablespoon of pineapple liquid. Discard.
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the contents of Angel Food cake mix box (just the dry mix -nothing else!!) and the can of crushed pineapple, including the remaining juice, with 3 tablespoon of light coconut milk and the coconut extract.
  • Stir together with a spoon or spatula. This mixture will become frothy.
  • Pour into the greased angel food cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and place on a pot holder and cool for 5 minutes in the pan.
  • Run spatula along edges and flip onto a cooling rack. * I put the rack on top to flip, then I tap the bottom of the pan with a spatula. ** Don’t worry if a little piece of the cake sticks to the bottom of the pan, you can remove it and place it on the cake and it will mostly be covered by garnish.
  • Cool for another 5 minutes.
  • Once it’s completely cooled, trim off any brown, if desired. Alternatively, you can just leave it.
  • Then flip it back over onto a serving plate, so the smooth/smaller side is facing up.

Garnish

  • Pat pineapple rings dry and dry off liquid on cherries and add to top of cake. Then sprinkle on unsweetened coconut flakes.

Notes

*I use Wilton Cake Release (affiliate link) for cakes, as it does a superb job at preventing cakes from sticking to the pan
*If you want to use a whipped cream topping, I recommend using Dairyland or Gay Lea light real whipped cream, as it’s 1 WW point for 4 tbsps!
can of whipped cream
Recipe Tips:
    • Use the Right Pan for the Best Texture. An angel food cake pan (tube pan) is ideal because it allows the cake to rise properly and bake evenly. If you must use a bundt pan, be sure to grease it extremely well, as angel food cakes tend to stick.
    • Do NOT Overmix the Batter. Gently stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can deflate the batter and result in a denser cake instead of the light, fluffy texture you want.
    • Let the Cake Cool Upside DownTo prevent the cake from collapsing, cool it upside down on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before removing from the pan. This helps set the structure.
    • Dry Your Garnishes Before Adding. Pat the pineapple slices and maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel before placing them on the cake. This prevents excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
    • Don’t Skip the Coconut Extract. Coconut extract is key to enhancing the pina colada flavor. A little goes a long way, so stick to the recommended amount to avoid an overpowering taste.
    • Trim the Cake for a More Professional Look. If you want a cleaner presentation, trim any overly browned edges after cooling. This step is optional but gives the cake a more polished appearance.
    • Use Cake Release for Easy Removal. For a foolproof cake release, use Wilton Cake Release or make your own by mixing equal parts of flour, oil, and shortening. Brush it on the pan before adding the batter.
    • Avoid Opening the Oven Door Too Early. Opening the oven door before the cake is set can cause it to collapse. Wait until at least 25 minutes into baking before checking doneness with a toothpick.
    • Serve with Light Whipped Topping for Extra Creaminess. For an even more indulgent taste without adding too many points, serve with fat-free Cool Whip or light whipped cream (such as Dairyland or Gay Lea, which are 1 WW point per 4 tbsp). Or try my ‘skinny whipped cream’made with evaporated milk.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 160kcal (8%) | Carbohydrates: 37g (12%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Sodium: 312mg (14%) | Potassium: 74mg (2%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 28g (31%) | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) | Calcium: 63mg (6%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
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