Looking for a breakfast or snack that’s bursting with flavor and packed with good-for-you ingredients? Look no further than this Zesty Orange and Walnut Oatmeal Delight! This recipe combines the comforting warmth of oatmeal with the refreshing tang of oranges and the satisfying crunch of walnuts for a delightful treat that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oatmeal)
- 2 oranges
- 1 jar of store-bought oatmeal (check label for size, around 300g) – Instant or quick-cooking oats will work best here.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 5-6 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener (sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons oat flour (or grind rolled oats in a blender or food processor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 sugar-free chocolate bar (dark chocolate recommended)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for chocolate glaze)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Get your oven ready for baking by preheating it to 170°C (338°F).
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Zest the Oranges: While the oven heats up, prepare the oranges. Peel them carefully, removing as much of the white pith as possible (the pith can be bitter). Segment the oranges by cutting between the membranes to separate the juicy flesh.
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Orange Power: In a blender, combine the segmented oranges and blend them until smooth. This creates the orange puree that will infuse your oatmeal delight with citrusy flavor.
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Mix it Up: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, store-bought oatmeal, chopped walnuts, your chosen sweetener, oat flour, baking powder, coconut flakes, and vegetable oil. Pour in the orange puree and mix everything well until thoroughly combined.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the oatmeal mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake it in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked through.
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Chocolatey Glaze: While the oatmeal delight bakes, prepare the decadent yet sugar-free chocolate glaze. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the sugar-free chocolate bar with the additional 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until smooth and glossy.
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Glaze and Enjoy: Once the oatmeal delight is baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the warm chocolate glaze generously over the top. Allow the entire delight to cool completely before serving. This allows the glaze to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
More Information:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste preference.
- If you don’t have oat flour, simply grind some rolled oats in a blender or food processor until a flour-like consistency is achieved.
- For a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion:
This Zesty Orange and Walnut Oatmeal Delight is a delightful way to start your day or satisfy a sweet craving. It’s packed with fiber from the oats, healthy fats from the walnuts, and a burst of vitamin C from the oranges. So ditch the sugary cereals and enjoy this wholesome and flavorful treat!