Lightened Maple Walnut Delight Scones
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of these Lightened Maple Walnut Delight Scones. With less fat and sugar, these delightful treats are perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Made using a blend of unbleached all-purpose flour and wholesome whole wheat flour, they are infused with the natural sweetness of no-sugar-added maple syrup and complemented by the rich crunch of chopped walnuts. Enjoy these scrumptious scones guilt-free, knowing they support a healthier lifestyle while still satisfying your cravings. Bake a batch for yourself and your loved ones—sharing these scones is a wonderful way to spread joy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Baking powder
4 teaspoons (Sifted)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Heart-healthy margarine
1/3 cup (Cut into cubes)
Unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup (N/A)
Walnuts, chopped small
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Nonfat milk
1 cup (N/A)
No-sugar-added maple syrup
1/2 cup (N/A)
Maple flavoring
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Egg white
1 (Beaten)
Splenda sugar substitute
to taste (For sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a lightly greased baking sheet or line it with a Silipat mat.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the unbleached all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3
Cut in the heart-healthy margarine using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, nonfat milk, no-sugar-added maple syrup, and maple flavoring until smooth.
6
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined, creating a soft, slightly sticky dough.
7
Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface. Divide the dough in half and carefully shape each half into a circle about 7 inches in diameter and approximately 7/8 inch thick.
8
Transfer the dough circles to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg white and sprinkle Sparingly with Splenda for a touch of sweetness.
9
Using a sharp knife, gently cut each circle into 8 wedges without separating them completely.
10
Carefully separate the wedges slightly, allowing them to retain a small connection at the center while spacing them about an inch apart around the edges.
11
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
12
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lightened Maple Walnut Delight Scones?
They are a healthier version of traditional scones featuring maple and walnut flavors, made with less fat and sugar by using applesauce and whole wheat flour.
What makes these scones a healthier option?
These scones are lightened by using heart-healthy margarine, unsweetened applesauce, nonfat milk, and no-sugar-added maple syrup.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What types of flour are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour.
How do I prepare the dry ingredients?
Sift together the unbleached all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
How is the fat incorporated into the dough?
Cut in the heart-healthy margarine using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
When should I add the walnuts?
The chopped walnuts should be gently folded into the dry mixture after the margarine has been cut in.
What wet ingredients are needed?
The wet ingredients consist of unsweetened applesauce, nonfat milk, no-sugar-added maple syrup, and maple flavoring.
How should I combine the wet and dry mixtures?
Pour the whisked wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined to create a soft, slightly sticky dough.
How do I shape the scone dough?
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a circle approximately 7 inches in diameter and 7/8 inch thick.
What should I use to brush the tops of the scones?
Brush the tops of the dough circles with a beaten egg white.
Is there a topping used for extra sweetness?
Yes, the tops are sprinkled sparingly with Splenda sugar substitute before baking.
How do I cut the dough into individual scones?
Using a sharp knife, gently cut each circle into 8 wedges without separating them completely at the center.
How should the wedges be spaced on the baking sheet?
Separate the wedges slightly so they are about an inch apart at the outer edges while retaining a small connection at the center.
How long do the scones need to bake?
Bake the scones for 15 to 18 minutes.
How can I tell when the scones are done?
The scones are ready when they are golden brown and fragrant.
Should I use a specific type of baking sheet?
Use a lightly greased baking sheet or one lined with a Silipat mat to prevent sticking.
What is the purpose of using applesauce in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce acts as a moisture provider and fat replacement to keep the scones light.
Can I use regular maple syrup?
The recipe calls for no-sugar-added maple syrup to keep the sugar content low, though regular syrup can be used if preferred.
What kind of walnuts should be used?
The recipe recommends using walnuts that are chopped small for even distribution.
Are these scones suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are designed as a guilt-free breakfast treat or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
How many total scones does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 16 scones total from two 8-wedge circles.
Is the dough supposed to be sticky?
Yes, the instructions indicate the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of Splenda?
You can use other sugar substitutes or a small amount of sugar, though Splenda is specified for the lightened version.
Why is whole wheat flour included?
Whole wheat flour is added to provide extra fiber and a more wholesome nutritional profile.
What does the maple flavoring do?
The maple flavoring enhances the natural maple taste provided by the no-sugar-added syrup.
How do I handle the dough for shaping?
Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface to prevent it from sticking while you shape the circles.
Should I cool the scones before eating?
Yes, let the scones cool slightly after removing them from the oven before serving.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, by using heart-healthy margarine, nonfat milk, and applesauce, the fat content is significantly reduced compared to traditional recipes.
How do I avoid overbaking?
Keep a close eye on the oven near the 15-minute mark and remove them as soon as they reach a golden brown color.