Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake

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Delicious Apple Oatmeal Cake topped with fresh apples and oats

Gone bananas for cake? If you love the cozy combination of oats, apples, and warm spices, then you’re in for a treat! This delightful Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake is a must-try. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a comforting dessert at home. The soft texture and sweet flavors come together beautifully, making it an irresistible choice for both kids and adults alike. Let’s jump right into how you can whip up this scrumptious cake!

What Goes into This Cake

To create this delicious Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup (90 g) quick oats
  • 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ripe banana, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) diced apples
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Frosting:

  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 cups (360 g) confectioners’ sugar

How to Make Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake

Follow these simple steps to create this delightful cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

  2. Prep Oats: In a bowl, pour boiling water over the quick oats and set aside for about 20 minutes. This will help soften the oats and integrate the flavors.

  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will help create a nice texture for your cake.

  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the softened oats, buttermilk, and smashed banana to the bowl. Mix well to combine all the wet ingredients thoroughly.

  5. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until everything is well combined.

  6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no dry flour remains visible.

  7. Add Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

  8. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

  9. Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the frosting is spreadable.

  10. Frost and Serve: Once the cake is cool, frost it with the cream cheese mixture. Slice and serve!

How to Serve This Delectable Cake

The Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake is enjoyable on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

  • Warm Slices: Serve warm slices straight from the oven or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if you want a cozy treat.
  • Top It Off: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle some extra cinnamon or chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added flavor and crunch.

Helpful Tricks for Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake

  • Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be brown and soft.
  • Choose Your Apples: For the best flavor, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  • Storage: This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It also freezes well; just wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze!

Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake FAQs

1. Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

2. How can I make this cake healthier?
You can swap some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. Using less sugar will still give you a delicious flavor while being a bit more nutritious.

3. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Definitely! This cake is versatile. You can substitute the apples with pears or even fresh berries for a different flavor twist.

Now that you have all the steps, tips, and serving ideas, it’s time to bake your very own Gone Bananas & Apple Oatmeal Cake. This delightful treat is sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your family and friends! Enjoy every bite!