This recipe creates a moist and flavorful oatmeal bake, packed with a variety of fruits and nuts. It’s a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert option, offering a nutritious and satisfying treat. The combination of raisins, sultanas, cherries, apples, bananas, and Brazil nuts provides a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- This includes soaking the dried fruits, pureeing the apples, mashing the banana, and mixing the batter.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- This is the baking time for the oatmeal bake.
Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 100g raisins
- 100g sultanas
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
- 2 medium apples (about 300g)
- 100-120 ml water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ripe banana
- 100g fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- 50g Brazil nuts, chopped
Directions:
-
Prep the Raisins and Sultanas:
- Place the raisins and sultanas in a bowl.
- Pour boiling water over them and let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain the soaked fruits and set them aside.
-
Prepare the Oatmeal:
- Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor.
- Pulse until the oats are finely chopped. You don’t need to turn them into flour, just a finer consistency.
-
Puree the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples.
- Place the chopped apples and water in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
-
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the pureed apples.
- Add the eggs and mix well with a whisk or spoon.
- Mash the banana with a fork until smooth.
- Add the mashed banana to the apple and egg mixture. Stir to combine.
-
Add the Fruits:
- Add the drained raisins, sultanas, and cherries to the mixture.
- Mix well to distribute the fruits evenly.
-
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Add the finely chopped oatmeal and baking powder to the mixture.
- Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
-
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Grease a baking dish (approximately 8×8 or 9×9 inches) well with vegetable oil. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
-
Combine and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Chop the Brazil nuts and sprinkle them over the top of the mixture.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the oatmeal bake cool completely before cutting it into squares or bars.
- Serve as a breakfast bar, a snack, or a healthy dessert.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 9 servings):
- Calories: 250-350
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 8-10g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
Oatmeal bakes have become increasingly popular as a healthy and convenient breakfast or snack option. This recipe combines the goodness of oats with a variety of fruits and nuts, creating a nutrient-rich and satisfying treat. The use of natural sweeteners from fruits and the addition of healthy fats from nuts make this a well-balanced and wholesome dish. The popularity of this recipe stems from its simplicity, versatility, and the ability to customize it with various ingredients. It’s a perfect option for meal prepping, picnics, and casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a healthy and delicious snack or breakfast.
- It’s easy to customize with your favorite fruits and nuts.
- It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and apples.
- It’s perfect for meal prepping.
Health Benefits:
- Oats are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Fruits provide vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
- Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Baking powder adds lightness to the texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a breakfast bar with yogurt or milk.
- Pack them in lunchboxes or for travel.
- Serve as a healthy dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Puree the apples thoroughly for a smooth texture.
- Adjust the amount of water depending on the consistency of your apples.
- Add honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overbake to prevent the bars from becoming dry.
Variations to Try:
- Add other fruits: Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or blueberries can be added.
- Use different nuts: Almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be used instead of Brazil nuts.
- Add spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be added for extra flavor.
- Make it chocolatey: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Add seeds: Chia seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds can be added for extra nutrients.
Conclusion:
This fruit and nut oatmeal bake is a delightful and nutritious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
- Yes, quick oats will work just fine.
- Can I use frozen fruit?
- Yes, frozen fruit can be used. Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal bake ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven or microwave.
- How do I store leftover oatmeal bake?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze cooked oatmeal bake?
- Yes, cooked oatmeal bake can be frozen. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use milk or cream in the mixture?
- A small amount of milk or cream can be added for a richer texture.
- Can I add other spices?
- Yes, feel free to add your favorite spices and herbs.
- How do I prevent the oatmeal bake from sticking to the dish?
- Grease the dish thoroughly or use parchment paper.
- How do I know when the oatmeal bake is cooked through?
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Can I add protein powder?
- Yes, a scoop of protein powder can be added to the batter.