Healthy Apple Oat Cake with Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce is a delightful and nutritious treat that brings together the best flavors of fall. With juicy apples, hearty oats, and a touch of sweetness, this cake is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, the sugar-free caramel sauce drizzled on top adds a luxurious finish without the guilt. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to enjoy something sweet while staying healthy!
What Goes into This Healthy Apple Oat Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious cake:
- 1 cup oatmeal (100g)
- 3 medium-sized apples
- ½ cup water (125ml)
- 1 ripe banana
- 100g dried cranberries
- 100g raisins
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup mixed nuts of your choice (75g)
- Pinch of salt
For the Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce:
- 1 ripe banana
- 50ml water
- 80ml plant milk (oat vanilla milk preferred)
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- 2 tsp butter (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Step-by-Step Recipe for Healthy Apple Oat Cake
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to make your cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F) and grease a loaf pan or 8-inch square baking dish.
- Grind the oatmeal in a food processor until it reaches a fine flour-like consistency.
- Set aside the ground oats in a large mixing bowl.
- Wash, core, and roughly chop the apples, leaving the skin on for extra nutrients.
- Blend the chopped apples and water in a food processor until smooth, then mix into the oats.
- Soak the dried cranberries and raisins in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Mash the banana until smooth and add it to the apple-oat mixture.
- Fold in the softened cranberries, raisins, and any other dried fruits you like.
- Separate the eggs, adding the yolks to the mixture and the whites in another bowl.
- Mix the egg yolks, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt into the batter.
- Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Fold in the chopped nuts for a tasty crunch.
- Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top, sprinkling more nuts on top if desired.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
For the Caramel Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the plant milk.
- Mash the banana and mix it with the instant coffee.
- Heat the banana-coffee mixture in a saucepan, adding the water and cornstarch-milk mixture until it thickens.
- Stir in the butter and mix until melted and combined.
- Serve over the warm cake.
How to Serve Your Healthy Apple Oat Cake
This lovely cake can be served warm or at room temperature. For a beautiful presentation, slice the cake and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the sugar-free caramel sauce over the top before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a delightful treat. Fresh fruit or a sprinkle of additional nuts can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add a Twist: Feel free to experiment by swapping out some of the mixed nuts with seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for a different crunch.
- Spice It Up: If you love warm spices, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra flavor kick.
- Fruit Options: Enjoy other fruits? You can mix in some chopped pears or even blueberries for added variety and taste.
Healthy Apple Oat Cake FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears, bananas, or any of your favorite fruits can be used in this recipe. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the texture slightly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer.
Is this cake gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, this cake can easily be made gluten-free.
Don’t miss out on this scrumptious Healthy Apple Oat Cake with Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce! It’s a truly delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping it healthy. Give it a try, and let your taste buds celebrate!