Oatmeal Apple Cocoa Cake

This healthy and delicious cake combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of cocoa. It’s made with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal and coconut oil, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, it’s gluten-free and refined sugar-free!

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oatmeal (rolled or quick oats)
  • 4 apples (peeled and grated)
  • 4 eggs
  • 50 g cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
    • Grease a cake tin or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Apples:
    • Peel and grate the apples. Set them aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
  4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
    • In another bowl, whisk the eggs together until well beaten.
    • Add the melted coconut oil to the eggs and mix well.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the egg and coconut oil mixture into the dry ingredients.
    • Stir in the grated apples until the batter is well combined.
  6. Transfer to Cake Tin:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Slice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the cake warm with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with a bit of honey for added sweetness.
  • Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Tips:

  • If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to the batter.
  • For added texture, you can mix in nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Oatmeal: Rich in fiber and helps regulate blood sugar.
  • Apples: Provide natural sweetness and are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Cocoa: Contains powerful antioxidants and adds a rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free: As long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
  • Refined Sugar-Free: The sweetness comes from the apples and cocoa.

Storage:

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, quick oats will work fine, but the texture may be slightly different.
  2. Can I substitute coconut oil with another oil? Yes, you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter as a substitute for coconut oil.
  3. Do I need to peel the apples? Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer extra fiber.
  4. Can I add sweeteners? If you want a sweeter cake, feel free to add honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener to the batter.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based oil.