Dive into the wholesome goodness of this Oatmeal Apple-Banana Fruit Cake—a delightful treat packed with natural sweetness and nutty flavors. This recipe combines the nutritious benefits of oats, apples, bananas, and cranberries, making it not only a delicious dessert but also a hearty option for a breakfast or snack. Perfect for health-conscious sweet tooths, this cake is sure to please without the guilt.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- Oatmeal, finely ground: 2 cups (220 g / 7.8 oz)
- Almonds, chopped: 3/4 cup (80 g / 2.8 oz)
- Cranberries: 1/2 cup (80 g / 2.8 oz)
Wet Ingredients:
- Large apples, grated: 2
- Banana, chopped: 1
- Eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice (from one lemon)
Other:
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Directions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C).
- Grease a baking mold with olive oil.
- To prevent browning, toss the grated apples immediately with lemon juice.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the finely ground oatmeal, grated apples, chopped almonds, and cranberries.
- Blend Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped banana, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve as is, or enhance it with a dollop of yogurt or your favorite frosting.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this cake as a morning treat with a cup of coffee or as a light dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bit of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the oatmeal is finely ground to achieve a smooth cake texture.
- Squeezing excess juice from the grated apples will help keep the cake from becoming too moist.
Storing Recommendations: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake can also be frozen for up to a month; just wrap slices individually for easy thawing.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approx. 270 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 6 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40 g
- Fat: Approx. 10 g
- Dietary Fiber: Approx. 5 g
FAQs:
- Can I use quick oats instead of grinding my own? Yes, quick oats are a convenient alternative if you do not wish to grind your own.
- Is there a vegan substitute for the eggs in this recipe? Yes, you can replace each egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tbsp of seeds with 3 tbsp of water, let sit until gelatinous).
- Can I add other fruits to this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate dried fruits like raisins or fresh fruits such as blueberries for different flavors.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8