Healthy Oat and Fruit Cake

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Healthy oat and fruit cake with fresh ingredients

Healthy Oat and Fruit Cake: A Delicious Recipe to Help You Lose Weight

Looking for a guilt-free treat that aids your weight loss journey? This Healthy Oat and Fruit Cake is specially designed to not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also help you lose weight. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and fresh fruits, this cake is low in sugar, offers essential nutrients, and keeps you feeling full longer. It’s perfect as a healthy snack or a delightful dessert!

When embarking on a weight loss journey, it’s crucial to choose recipes that are not only healthy but also wholesome and satisfying. The ingredients in this oat and fruit cake provide a great balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats—essential for keeping your metabolism up and your appetite in check.

Ingredients

  • 130g gluten-free oat flakes (1½ cups)
  • 240ml hot water (1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 30g natural sweetener (stevia, erythritol, or preferred alternative, 2½ tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 120g plain Greek yogurt (½ cup)
  • 50g butter, melted and cooled (¼ cup)
  • 1 medium apple, diced
  • 80g fresh blueberries (⅔ cup)
  • 7g baking powder (½ tablespoon)

Healthy Substitutions:

  • Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
  • Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt if vegan.
  • Replace the apple with other fruits like bananas or pears for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak the Oats: In a large bowl, place the oat flakes and pour hot water over them. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften.

  2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sweetener. Add the vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and melted butter. Mix well until smooth.

  3. Combine Ingredients: Gently combine the wet ingredients with the soaked oats, stirring carefully to maintain texture.

  4. Prepare Fruits: Wash and dice the apple, and rinse the blueberries under cold water.

  5. Mix in Fruits: Fold in the diced apple, blueberries, and baking powder into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

  6. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

  7. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, tapping it lightly on the counter to settle the mixture.

  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  9. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

  10. Serve and Store: Serve at room temperature. This cake can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, maintaining its freshness.

Why This Recipe Helps You Lose Weight

The Healthy Oat and Fruit Cake is designed with weight loss in mind. Oats are high in fiber, which promotes feelings of fullness and aids digestion—essential qualities when trying to lose weight. The natural sweetness from fruits, combined with a low-calorie sweetener, provides a delicious flavor without excessive calories. Additionally, the inclusion of protein from Greek yogurt and eggs helps to sustain energy levels and curb cravings. This cake represents a balanced approach to enjoying dessert while still keeping your health in focus.

Calorie-Conscious Tips

  1. Portion Control: Cut the cake into smaller slices to manage portion sizes, which can help prevent overeating.
  2. Pair it Wisely: Enjoy it with a side of Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts for added protein and healthy fats at snack time.
  3. Sweetener Choices: Opt for natural sweeteners that have lower calories compared to granulated sugar to keep the cake light and healthy.

Meal-Prep or Storage Tips

  • This cake is great for meal-prepping! Bake on the weekend and have a healthy snack ready for the week.
  • You can freeze individual slices for a quick option later. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
  • To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

In summary, this Healthy Oat and Fruit Cake is a perfect addition to your healthy eating plan if you’re looking to lose weight. With its nutrient-dense ingredients and balanced macronutrient profile, it’s a satisfying treat that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Enjoy this delightful recipe that supports your weight loss goals while indulging your taste buds!