Looking for a delicious and nutritious dessert that feels indulgent but won’t derail your healthy eating goals? This Healthy Oatmeal Fruit Cake is the perfect answer! Bursting with wholesome ingredients like fruits, nuts, and oats, it makes a fantastic treat any time of the day. Enjoy it as a breakfast option, a midday snack, or a light dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
What Goes into This Healthy Oatmeal Fruit Cake
To whip up this delightful cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 85 g (3 oz / ¾ cup) rolled oats
- 2 medium apples, peeled and cored
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) hot water
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 50 g (¼ cup) dried cranberries
- 50 g (¼ cup) raisins
- 40 g (⅓ cup) walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey for drizzling
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream for topping
- 1 tsp honey for topping
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts for topping
Step-by-Step Recipe for Healthy Oatmeal Fruit Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 20cm (8-inch) loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Use a food processor to grind the rolled oats until they resemble a flour-like consistency.
- In a saucepan, cook the chopped apples with hot water for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Once done, blend them into applesauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour with the warm applesauce.
- Mash the ripe banana and stir it into the mixture.
- Whisk in the eggs until everything is well mixed.
- Add the baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- For added moisture, stir in the Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Rinse and dry the cranberries and raisins, then fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts, pressing them down gently into the mixture.
- Drizzle honey over the top and place it in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare a simple topping by mixing Greek yogurt with honey and chopped walnuts.
- Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- After cooling, drizzle or spread the topping over your cake slices for an extra touch of deliciousness.
How to Serve Healthy Oatmeal Fruit Cake
This oatmeal fruit cake is delightful on its own, but you can make it even more special with a few serving ideas:
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and slice into thick, hearty pieces.
- For an extra touch, add a dollop of Greek yogurt and drizzle with honey on top just before serving.
- Pair it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Helpful Tricks for Healthy Oatmeal Fruit Cake
- Storage Tip: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It also freezes well! Just slice it before freezing for easy access later.
- Customized Add-ins: Feel free to customize this recipe! Add chopped nuts, seeds, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
Healthy Oatmeal Fruit Cake FAQs
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, berries, or even mashed pumpkin for a seasonal twist.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No problem! Any nut or seed you prefer can be used, or you can simply leave them out.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
This Healthy Oatmeal Fruit Cake is not just a treat; it’s also a step towards healthier dessert options. Enjoy making it, sharing it, and, most importantly, savoring every slice! Happy baking!