This Carrot Apple Oat Cake is a wholesome, naturally sweetened dessert perfect for those looking for a healthy yet indulgent treat. Made with fruits, oats, and dried fruits, it’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy sugar-free white chocolate yogurt glaze and crunchy almonds. Ideal for tea time, breakfast, or a guilt-free dessert!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Oatmeal: 100 grams (3.5 oz), ground into flour
- Carrot: 1 medium, peeled and chopped
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Water: 90 ml (⅓ cup)
- Banana: 1 medium, mashed
- Sweetener: To taste (e.g., stevia)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Baking Powder: 10 grams (2 teaspoons)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Apricots: 40 grams (1.5 oz), chopped and soaked
- Dried Cranberries: 100 grams (3.5 oz), soaked
For the Topping:
- Sugar-Free White Chocolate: 30 grams (1 oz), melted
- Sugar-Free Yogurt: 1.5 tablespoons
- Almonds: 30 grams (1 oz), ground
Directions
- Prepare the Oats: Grind 100 grams of oatmeal in a blender until it becomes a fine flour.
- Prepare the Fruits: Peel and chop the carrot and apples. Blend them with 90 ml of water in a blender until smooth.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, carrot-apple puree, and mashed banana. Add sweetener to taste. Mix in the eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Chop the dried apricots and cranberries, soak them in cold water for 15 minutes, then drain and add to the batter. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease a 20 x 7 cm (8 x 3 inch) pan with olive or vegetable oil. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Topping: Melt the white chocolate over a double boiler. Stir in the yogurt until smooth. Grind the almonds in a blender or food processor.
- Finish the Cake: Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, pour the white chocolate yogurt glaze over the top. Sprinkle with the ground almonds for a crunchy finish.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Add fresh berries on the side for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy as a healthy breakfast with a drizzle of honey.
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor.
- Ensure the oat flour is finely ground for a smoother cake texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
- For added flavor, mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: High in fiber and beta-glucan, supporting heart health.
- Carrots and Apples: Provide vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
- Dried Fruits: Add energy and essential minerals like potassium and iron.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes (if using certified gluten-free oats)
- Dairy-Free: No (use dairy-free yogurt and chocolate for a dairy-free option)
- Refined Sugar-Free: Yes (when using a natural sweetener)
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 16g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with natural sweetness from fruits and dried fruits.
- A healthy and satisfying treat for any time of the day.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping.
- The white chocolate yogurt glaze adds a creamy and indulgent touch.
- Completely customizable with your favorite dried fruits or nuts.
Conclusion
This Carrot Apple Oat Cake is a healthy and delicious option for those looking for a naturally sweetened treat. The combination of fruits, oats, and nuts creates a moist, flavorful cake, while the white chocolate yogurt glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, but the texture may be slightly different.
- What can I use instead of dried cranberries? Raisins or chopped dates are great substitutes.
- Can I skip the sweetener? Yes, the natural sweetness from the fruits is often enough.
- What other flours can I use? Almond flour or whole wheat flour can be used, but adjustments may be needed.
- Can I make this cake vegan? Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free yogurt and chocolate.
- What other toppings work well? A dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar works as a simple alternative.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan? Line the pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits? Yes, but ensure the fruits are not too juicy to avoid a soggy texture.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- How should I reheat the cake? Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes.
Enjoy this delicious, nutritious cake that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make! 🥕🍎✨