This Apple Oat Cake is a wholesome, delicious treat made with gluten-free oat flakes, fresh apples, and optional dried cranberries. It’s high in fiber, protein, and various nutrients, making it a nutritious choice for breakfast or a snack. The natural sweetness of apples combined with the warmth of cinnamon makes this cake a comforting and satisfying dish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Ingredients
- Oat flakes (gluten-free): 230 g (about 2 1/2 cups)
- Baking powder: 7 g (1/2 tablespoon)
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Medium apples: 2, peeled and grated
- Egg yolks: 3
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Dried cranberries (optional): 40 g (about 1/4 cup)
- Egg whites: 3
- Salt: A pinch
- Coconut oil (or your choice of oil): For greasing the baking dish
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Peel and grate the apples using a box grater. Set them aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 230 g of oat flakes, 7 g of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the grated apples and 40 g of dried cranberries (if using) to the egg yolk mixture. Mix well.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg yolk mixture to the oat mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are well combined.
- Beat Egg Whites:
- In a clean bowl, beat the 3 egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Egg Whites:
- Gently fold half of the beaten egg whites into the oat and apple mixture. Once incorporated, gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Grease a 26 x 10 cm (10 x 4 inch) baking dish with coconut oil or your preferred choice of oil.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as is, or with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature.
- Pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack.
Cooking Tips
- Folding Egg Whites: When folding in the egg whites, do so gently to keep the mixture light and airy, which will help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- Customize the Mix-ins: Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with raisins, chopped dates, or even nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: High in fiber, protein, and various nutrients like manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. Oats can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve digestion, and promote fullness.
- Apples: Provide vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants, which support a healthy immune system and digestion.
- Eggs: Rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the oat flakes are certified gluten-free to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, especially if you use coconut oil or another plant-based oil for greasing.
- Vegetarian: Yes
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 100IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 2mg
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
- Freezer: The cake can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Made with oats and apples, this cake is not only delicious but also packed with fiber and essential nutrients.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for any level of baker.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a healthy dessert, this cake is a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Conclusion
The Apple Oat Cake is a delightful and nutritious treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day. With its wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the goodness of oats and apples in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free oats?
- Yes, if you’re not following a gluten-free diet, regular oats will work just as well.
- What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
- You can use raisins, chopped dates, or any dried fruit you prefer.
- Can I make this cake vegan?
- Yes, replace the egg yolks with flaxseed or chia seed mixtures and use a plant-based milk substitute for the eggs.
- What type of apples work best for this recipe?
- Both tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp work well. Choose based on your flavor preference.
- How can I make the cake more moist?
- Adding a little unsweetened applesauce or an extra grated apple can make the cake moister.
- Can I add nuts to the cake?
- Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a nice crunch and additional nutrients.
- How do I store the cake to keep it fresh?
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.
- Can I use this recipe to make muffins instead of a cake?
- Yes, divide the batter into muffin cups and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
- Is this cake suitable for kids?
- Yes, this cake is a healthy and kid-friendly option, packed with nutritious ingredients.
- Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for different flavor profiles.
Enjoy making and eating this nutritious Apple Oat Cake!