These Baked Apple Oatmeal Mini Cakes are a delightful and healthy treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With the natural sweetness of apples, the crunch of nuts, and the wholesome goodness of oats, they offer a balanced and nourishing option. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup oatmeal (rolled oats)
- 150 ml warm milk (about ⅔ cup)
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 20 g butter (1 ½ tbsp)
- A pinch of vanillin (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 2 eggs
- 50 g nuts, chopped (about ½ cup; walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- Avocado oil (for greasing the molds)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oatmeal
- Soften the oats: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal with 150 ml of warm milk. Stir gently, and let the oats sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow the oats to absorb the milk and soften, creating a creamy texture for the mini cakes.
2. Cook the Apples
- Melt the butter: In a skillet, melt 20 g of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the apples: Add the peeled and chopped 2 apples to the skillet, along with a pinch of vanillin (or 1 tsp of vanilla extract). Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and tender, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Batter
- Whisk the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk 2 eggs until well beaten.
- Combine ingredients: Add the softened oatmeal, sautéed apples, and 50 g of chopped nuts to the eggs. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. The batter should have a slightly thick, chunky texture with the oats, apples, and nuts evenly distributed.
4. Bake the Mini Cakes
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (360°F) and allow it to preheat.
- Grease the molds: Grease your mini cake molds or a muffin tray with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Fill the molds: Pour the batter into the prepared molds, filling each one about ¾ of the way full to give the mini cakes room to rise.
- Bake: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the mini cakes are golden brown and set in the center. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
5. Serve
- Cool and serve: Let the mini cakes cool slightly in the molds for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, as a healthy snack, breakfast treat, or even dessert.
Tips for Success
- Oats: Rolled oats work best for this recipe, but you can also use quick oats if needed. Steel-cut oats are not recommended, as they will not soften enough during the baking process.
- Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp work well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different apple types for varied flavors.
- Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans add a delightful crunch to the mini cakes. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can skip the nuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 7 g
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Oatmeal Mini Cakes are the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. Packed with fiber-rich oats, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts, they’re a versatile and healthy option for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for a quick snack on the go, these mini cakes are sure to become a household favorite!