Ingredients

For the Cake

• Oat Flakes: 120 g
• Hot Milk: 250 ml
• Bananas: 2, ripe
• Eggs: 2
• Cocoa Powder: 4 tablespoons (45 g)
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
• Walnuts: 40 g, chopped

For the Topping

• Dark Chocolate: 75 g, melted

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: ~210 kcal per serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

1. Soak the Oats: In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flakes and hot milk. Stir to mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes. This allows the oats to soften and absorb the milk, creating a creamy base.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The bananas act as a natural sweetener and binder for the cake.
2. Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the mashed bananas and whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. Sift the Cocoa Powder and Baking Powder: In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder and baking powder. This helps ensure there are no lumps and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Assemble the Batter

1. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the banana and egg mixture to the soaked oats. Stir until incorporated.
2. Add Cocoa Mixture: Gradually add the sifted cocoa powder and baking powder, stirring until the batter is smooth.
3. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a few for garnish if desired.

5. Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Pour the Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
3. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Add the Topping

1. Melt the Chocolate: While the cake is cooling, melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning.
2. Decorate the Cake: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Why This Recipe Is Timeless

The Banana Chocolate Oat Cake with Walnut Topping is a timeless recipe for many reasons. It combines ingredients that have been loved for generations—bananas, cocoa, and oats—into a dish that feels both familiar and fresh. This cake offers a healthier take on traditional chocolate desserts, using natural sweeteners like bananas and nutrient-rich oats to create a treat that’s as nourishing as it is indulgent.

The simplicity of the recipe also adds to its timelessness. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and uses ingredients that are often already on hand. The versatility of this cake makes it suitable for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, ensuring its place in kitchens around the world for years to come.

Tips for Perfect Banana Chocolate Oat Cake

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
2. Soften the Oats: Don’t skip soaking the oats in hot milk. This step ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
3. Customize the Add-Ins: Swap walnuts for pecans, hazelnuts, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a personalized touch.
4. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake in the final minutes of baking to avoid drying it out.
5. Decorate Creatively: Use additional toppings like shredded coconut, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit to elevate the presentation.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigeration: Extend freshness by refrigerating the cake for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
3. Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats, and the recipe will be entirely gluten-free.

2. Can I substitute the walnuts?
Absolutely. You can use almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, or leave the nuts out entirely if you prefer.

3. Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk works perfectly in this recipe.

4. How can I make the cake vegan?
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free chocolate for the topping.

5. Can I add extra sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter cake, add 2–3 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or sugar to the batter.

Conclusion

The Banana Chocolate Oat Cake with Walnut Topping is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartwarming reminder of the joy that simple, homemade treats can bring. Its combination of natural ingredients, ease of preparation, and rich flavors ensures that this recipe will stand the test of time, becoming a staple in households across the globe.

This cake offers something for everyone: the health-conscious will appreciate its wholesome ingredients, chocolate lovers will adore its richness, and anyone who enjoys a moist, flavorful cake will savor every bite. Whether you’re serving it to guests, sharing it with family, or indulging on your own, this cake is sure to bring smiles to the table.

Beyond its delicious taste, the process of making this cake is an experience in itself—mashing bananas, whisking cocoa, and drizzling melted chocolate evoke the simple pleasures of baking. Sharing the finished product is a way to connect with others, celebrating the timeless tradition of homemade food.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this decadent yet wholesome delight. The Banana Chocolate Oat Cake with Walnut Topping is destined to become one of your go-to recipes, loved by all who taste it. Happy baking!