Opt for whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase fiber and reduce calorie density while maintaining a tender crumb.
Use stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar to minimize added calories while still achieving sweetness.
Replace butter or oil with non-fat Greek yogurt to add protein, moisture, and richness without excess fat.
Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches into the batter for natural sweetness and added vitamins.
Use egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce cholesterol and fat content while maintaining structure.
Choose reduced-fat cream cheese or sour cream for frostings or glazes to lower overall calorie count.
Bake mini pound cakes or use a bundt pan for controlled portion sizes to help with calorie management.
Enhance flavor with lemon or orange zest, or extracts like almond or vanilla, for a burst of flavor without extra calories.