This Oatmeal Carrot Loaf Cake is a nutritious and delicious treat that’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping it up multiple times a week! Packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, nuts, and dried fruits, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf cake is moist, flavorful, and satisfying.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
- Carrots: 4 medium (200 g), grated
- Orange Zest: From 1 orange
- Eggs: 3 large
- Sweetener: Optional, to taste (erythritol, stevia, or sugar)
- Vegetable Oil: 80 ml (1/2 cup)
- Walnuts: 1 cup, chopped (reserve some for decoration)
- Almonds: ½ cup, chopped
- Dried Apricots: A small handful, rinsed and dried
- Plums: A small handful, rinsed and dried
- Oatmeal: 1 cup
- Baking Powder: 10 grams (2 teaspoons)
- Salt: A pinch
- Cinnamon: To taste
- Nutmeg: Optional, to taste
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Directions
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the grated carrots and orange zest. Stir to combine.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix oatmeal, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
Incorporate Nuts and Dried Fruits:
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, almonds, dried apricots, and plums. Reserve some walnuts for decorating the top.
Bake the Loaf Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Decorate with reserved walnuts.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Spread with cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent treat.
- Top with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Enjoy it toasted with a pat of butter for breakfast.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Substitute dried apricots and plums with raisins or cranberries if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oatmeal.
- Adjust the sweetness by tasting the batter before baking and adding sweetener as needed.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container to keep it moist for longer.
Nutritional Benefits
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants for improved vision and skin health.
- Oatmeal: A great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber for sustained energy.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free oatmeal.
- Suitable for low-sugar diets if sweetener is used instead of sugar.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with carrots, nuts, and dried fruits for a nutritious treat.
- Easy to Make: Quick preparation and simple steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Customizable: Adjust spices, nuts, and dried fruits to suit your preferences.
- Naturally Sweet: Can be made with low-sugar or natural sweeteners.
Conclusion
This Oatmeal Carrot Loaf Cake is a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of carrots and the nutty richness of almonds and walnuts. Its moist texture, warm spices, and bursts of flavor from dried fruits make it a comforting treat for any time of day. With its quick preparation and wholesome ingredients, this loaf cake is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy its delicious simplicity!
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oatmeal? Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser.
- Can I make this loaf vegan? Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use plant-based oil.
- What can I use instead of dried apricots and plums? Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates are great alternatives.
- How do I prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan? Use parchment paper or grease the pan thoroughly with oil or butter.
- Can I freeze the loaf? Yes, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- How do I know when the loaf is done baking? Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.
- Can I add other spices? Absolutely! Try ginger or allspice for additional warmth.
- Can I make muffins instead of a loaf? Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- What oil works best? Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work well.
- Can I skip the sweetener? Yes, the dried fruits and carrots provide natural sweetness.
Enjoy this quick, nutritious, and delicious loaf cake anytime you need a wholesome treat!