Delicious Oatmeal and Apple Cake Recipe

Imagine a cake that’s not only incredibly delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, apples, walnuts, and dried fruits. This Oatmeal and Apple Cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. With the natural sweetness of apples and the added crunch of walnuts, this cake offers a unique combination that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or enjoying it as a snack, this cake is sure to impress with its rich flavor and moist texture.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons caster sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or vanilla essence)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 100 ml sunflower vegetable oil (3.4 fl oz)
• 2 cups oatmeal (180 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling:

• 2 medium apples
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 cup walnut kernels (100 g)
• 1 cup dried apricots (130 g)
• 1-2 tablespoons dried cranberries

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

1. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: Start by cracking the eggs into a deep mixing bowl. Add the caster sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar (or vanilla essence). Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process should take about 5 minutes and is essential for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
2. Incorporate the Oil: Gradually pour in the sunflower vegetable oil while continuing to mix on low speed. The oil will give the cake a moist texture and add richness to the flavor. Mix until the oil is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
3. Add the Oatmeal: Using a spatula, gently fold in the oatmeal into the egg mixture. The oats will absorb moisture and soften during baking, providing a hearty, chewy texture. Once mixed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the mixture rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the oats to fully hydrate, ensuring a tender cake.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss them with the corn starch until they are well coated. The corn starch helps to thicken the juices released by the apples during baking, preventing the cake from becoming soggy.
2. Toast the Walnuts: Finely chop the walnut kernels and toast them in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and cook until the walnuts are golden brown and fragrant. Toasting the walnuts intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
3. Chop the Dried Fruits: Finely chop the dried apricots and measure out the dried cranberries. If the dried apricots are particularly tough, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before chopping.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Prepare the Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 25 cm (10-inch) square or round baking tray with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake from the tray after baking.
2. Spread the Dough: Pour half of the oatmeal dough into the prepared tray and spread it out evenly using a spatula. This forms the base layer of the cake, which will support the filling.
3. Add the Filling: Start by sprinkling half of the toasted walnuts over the dough, followed by a layer of half the apple slices, chopped apricots, and cranberries. This layering ensures that every bite of the cake is filled with delicious flavors and textures.
4. Repeat the Layers: Pour the remaining oatmeal dough over the filling and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining walnuts, apples, apricots, and cranberries, arranging them neatly for an attractive finish.

Baking the Cake:

1. Bake: Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is fully cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
2. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift the cake out of the tray using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps to set the structure of the cake, making it easier to slice.

Serving the Cake:

1. Slice and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, slice it into squares or wedges, depending on the shape of your tray. The cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for added flavor.
2. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe, fresh apples and high-quality oatmeal for the best flavor and texture. The freshness of the ingredients will greatly impact the overall taste of the cake.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences or the sweetness of your apples, you can adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener used in the dough.
• Get Creative: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the filling for a personalized touch. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the apples.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to ensure it comes out clean before removing the cake from the oven. This ensures that the cake is fully baked and has the perfect texture.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
• Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 5g

Conclusion

This Oatmeal and Apple Cake is a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dessert. The natural sweetness of apples and dried fruits, combined with the crunch of walnuts and the hearty texture of oats, makes this cake a must-try. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the nutritious benefits that come with each bite!