This Carrot and Oat Cake is a moist, flavorful, and wholesome dessert made with healthy oats, fresh carrots, honey, and warm spices. The quark-almond topping adds a creamy, nutty finish, making this cake a delicious treat for any occasion.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 100g (1 cup) whole oat flakes
- 100g (1 cup) ground oat flakes
- 250ml (1 cup) hot milk
- 3 eggs
- 100g (½ cup) sugar
- 200g (1½ cups) grated carrots
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tsp vanilla sugar
- 200g (¾ cup) quark
- 50g (⅓ cup) dates, chopped
- 50ml (¼ cup) honey
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 50ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 50ml (¼ cup) cream (33% fat)
- 50g (½ cup) powdered sugar
- 200g (¾ cup) quark or cream cheese
- 50g (⅓ cup) almonds, chopped or sliced
Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, pour hot milk over the oat flakes and let them soak for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and honey until fluffy.
- Add grated carrots, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing well.
- Stir in soaked oats and quark.
- Add chopped dates, cinnamon, baking powder, corn starch, and a pinch of salt.
- Finally, mix in vegetable oil until smooth.
2. Bake the Cake
- Grease a baking pan and pour the batter evenly.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the topping.
3. Prepare the Topping
- In a bowl, whip cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Add quark (or cream cheese) and mix until smooth.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with chopped almonds for added crunch.
4. Serve
- Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Greek yogurt or fresh berries.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Serve with a warm spiced tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips
- For extra moisture, add ½ cup of applesauce to the batter.
- For a crunchier texture, mix chopped nuts or raisins into the batter.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in fiber from oats and carrots.
- Packed with antioxidants from orange zest and cinnamon.
- Rich in protein and probiotics from quark.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Can be made dairy-free by replacing quark with coconut yogurt
- Refined sugar-free option by using only honey and dates
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 12g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Serve at room temperature or microwave for 10 seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft, moist, and full of flavor
✔ Naturally sweetened with honey and dates
✔ Rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats
✔ Perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures
Conclusion
This Carrot and Oat Cake with Creamy Quark-Almond Topping is a deliciously moist and healthy dessert that’s naturally sweetened and packed with warm, spiced flavors. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this cake is nutritious, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Try it today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of quark? Yes, Greek yogurt works well.
- Can I make it without sugar? Yes! Replace sugar with extra honey or mashed banana.
- Can I use a different flour? Yes! You can substitute with almond flour or whole wheat flour.
- How do I make the topping thicker? Use less cream and more quark.
- Can I add nuts inside the batter? Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts work well.
- Can I make muffins instead of a cake? Yes! Bake muffins at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.
- How do I make it dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and coconut yogurt.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Can I add chocolate? Yes! Mix in chopped dark chocolate or cocoa powder.
- How do I prevent the cake from being too dense? Make sure to whisk eggs well and avoid overmixing.