Are you craving a comforting, delicious cake but short on time and fancy ingredients? Look no further! This oat and banana cake is the perfect solution. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and tastes unbelievably delicious. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, a weekend baking project, or even a healthy breakfast treat. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe. This is one of those best recipes that's both healthy and utterly delightful.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small (8x8 inch) baking pan.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This is a crucial step for achieving a consistent texture in your cake.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, applesauce, milk, eggs, and maple syrup until smooth. Then, stir in the melted coconut oil.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Add optional ingredients: If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips.
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.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade oat and banana cake!
Cooking Tips for the Best Oat and Banana Cake:
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The riper, the better!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cake and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Spiced Oat Cake: Add a teaspoon of ginger or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Oat Cake: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Fruit Oat Cake: Add ½ cup of blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always consult a nutritionist or use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
This easy oat and banana cake recipe is a wonderful example of quick dinner ideas transformed into a delightful dessert. Enjoy this healthy and delicious treat any time of day! It's perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without compromising on taste or nutrition. This homemade cooking experience will leave you feeling accomplished and ready to bake again and again.