This Healthy Fruit and Oatmeal Cake is a delightful and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast or as a light snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, fresh fruits, and natural sweeteners, this cake offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a great way to start your day or enjoy a guilt-free dessert.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Oatmeal: 100 grams (3.5 oz)
- Carrot: 1 medium
- Apples: 2 medium
- Water: 90 ml (approximately 3 oz)
- Banana: 1 ripe
- Raisins: 40 grams (1.4 oz)
- Dried Cranberries: 100 grams (3.5 oz)
- Sweetener: To taste (e.g., stevia or another preferred sweetener)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Baking Powder: 10 grams (0.4 oz)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Olive or Vegetable Oil: For greasing
- Almonds: 30 grams (1 oz), finely ground
- White Chocolate without Sugar: 30 grams (1 oz)
- Sugar-Free Yogurt: 1.5 tablespoons
Directions
- Prepare the Oatmeal: Grind the oatmeal in a blender until it becomes a fine powder. This will create a flour-like texture that forms the base of the cake.
- Prepare the Carrot and Apples: Peel and chop the carrot and apples into smaller pieces. Blend them together with 90 ml of water until smooth. This mixture will add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Prepare the Banana: Mash the banana or blend it until smooth. Mix the mashed banana with the carrot and apple mixture for added richness and sweetness.
- Prepare the Dried Fruits: Soak the raisins and dried cranberries in cold water for 15 minutes to remove preservatives and activate beneficial substances. Drain well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the ground oatmeal, blended fruits, and mashed banana. Add sweetener to taste, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Stir in the soaked and drained dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Grease a 20 x 7 cm (8 x 3 inch) mold with olive or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the mold and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is cooked through and has a fluffy texture.
- Prepare the Decoration: Grind the almonds to a fine texture for a crunchy topping. Melt the white chocolate without sugar in a water bath until smooth. Mix the melted chocolate with 1.5 tablespoons of sugar-free yogurt to create a creamy glaze. Spread the mixture over the cooled cake and sprinkle with ground almonds for a delightful finish.
How to Prepare
- Grinding the Oatmeal: Start by grinding the oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender. This step is crucial as it transforms the oats into a flour-like consistency, forming the base of your cake.
- Blending the Fruits and Vegetables: Peel and chop the carrot and apples into small pieces. Blend them with 90 ml of water until you achieve a smooth consistency. This mixture will infuse your cake with natural sweetness and moisture.
- Mashing the Banana: Mash the banana until smooth and mix it with the carrot and apple blend. The banana adds natural sweetness and acts as a binder.
- Soaking the Dried Fruits: Soak the raisins and dried cranberries in cold water for 15 minutes. This step rehydrates the fruits, making them plump and juicy, which enhances their flavor and texture.
- Mixing the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the ground oatmeal, blended fruits, and mashed banana. Add the sweetener, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. Fold in the soaked and drained dried fruits.
- Baking the Cake: Grease the mold with oil and pour in the batter. Smooth the top and bake at 180°C (360°F) for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Decorating the Cake: Grind the almonds for a crunchy topping. Melt the white chocolate and mix with yogurt to create a glaze. Spread this over the cooled cake and sprinkle with ground almonds.
Preparation Time
- Active Preparation: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes one 20 x 7 cm (8 x 3 inch) cake, which serves 8-10 people.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant oats instead of regular oatmeal?
Yes, you can use instant oats. Just make sure to grind them into a fine powder to maintain the texture of the cake.
2. Can I substitute the banana with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato as a substitute for banana. Both alternatives will maintain the cake’s moisture and sweetness.
3. How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I add other fruits or nuts to the cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Just ensure they are finely chopped to blend well with the batter.
5. Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Yes, you can make this cake vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and ensuring all other ingredients, such as chocolate, are vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This Healthy Fruit and Oatmeal Cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome treat. The combination of fresh fruits, oats, and natural sweeteners creates a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any time of day. Enjoy it as a nutritious breakfast or a light snack, and feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits and nuts. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, this cake will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Share it with family and friends, and watch as it becomes a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.