Oat, Apple, and Carrot Cake Recipe

Oat, Apple, and Carrot Cake Recipe

This healthy Oat, Apple, and Carrot Cake is a perfect guilt-free treat made with nutritious ingredients. It’s naturally sweetened with honey or dates and packed with the goodness of oats, apples, and carrots. It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a light dessert!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats (or oat flour)

• 2 grated apples (sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala work well)

• 2 grated carrots

• 3 eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan version)

• 1/2 cup honey or crushed dates (for natural sweetness)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, almonds, chia seeds)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with a bit of oil.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs if vegan). If you’re using dates, blend them with a little water to make a date paste before adding them to the mixture. Add honey or the date paste to the eggs and stir well.

3. Combine Grated Fruits and Veggies:

   • Grate the apples and carrots and add them to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined.

4. Add Dry Ingredients:

   • To the wet mixture, add the oats (or oat flour), cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter. If you’re adding nuts or seeds, stir them in now.

5. Pour into Pan:

   • Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and firm to the touch.

7. Cool and Slice:

   • Let the cake cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. Slice into squares or wedges.

8. Serve:

   • Enjoy your healthy cake warm, or store it in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

Notes & Tips:

• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).

• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey or date paste depending on your sweetness preference. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, use less or skip it entirely.

• Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the oats into flour using a blender or food processor before adding them to the mixture.

• Toppings: You can top the cake with some fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor.

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Nutritional Info (Per Serving) (Approx. 8 servings):

• Calories: 160 kcal

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 10g (from apples and honey)

Benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: This cake is packed with fiber from oats, carrots, and apples, which supports digestive health.

• Low in Added Sugar: Naturally sweetened with honey or dates, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cakes.

• Packed with Nutrients: The carrots provide a great source of beta-carotene (Vitamin A), and the apples offer a good dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Gluten-Free: Using oats or oat flour makes this cake naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Q&A:

• Can I make this without eggs?

  • Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.

• Can I use other sweeteners?

  • Yes, you can replace the honey or dates with maple syrup or stevia, depending on your sweetness preference.

• Can I add other ingredients?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor.

• How do I store the cake?

  • This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.