Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly good for you? Look no further! This banana oatmeal cake is the perfect blend of delicious and nutritious. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your quick dinner ideas repertoire. Get ready to enjoy a homemade cooking masterpiece that's both satisfying and wholesome!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will release easily once baked.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Applesauce adds moisture and healthy fats, contributing to the cake's delightful texture.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Add-ins (Optional): Stir in your chosen add-ins – nuts and/or chocolate chips – if desired. This step allows for easy customization to your liking.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Cake:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The riper they are, the sweeter your cake will be.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Cake: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Banana Nut Bread: Reduce the amount of milk to make a denser, bread-like texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This banana oatmeal cake recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are easy to make. It's a wonderful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, ideal for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. Enjoy this delightful treat!