This Healthy Oatmeal, Apple, and Blueberry Cake is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delicious and nutritious treat. With the goodness of oats, the natural sweetness of apples, and the antioxidant boost from blueberries, this dessert is not only easy to make but also packed with health benefits. It’s a great option for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful dish that’s ready in minutes.
Why This Dessert is a Healthy Choice
This dessert is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. Oats are a great source of fiber, which helps in digestion and keeping you full longer. Apples add natural sweetness and a dose of vitamins, while blueberries provide antioxidants that are essential for overall health. Avocado oil adds healthy fats, and using stevia as a sweetener keeps this dessert low in calories and free of refined sugars. Plus, with the addition of egg whites, you’re getting extra protein without the cholesterol of whole eggs.
Ingredients
- Oat Flakes: 130 grams (1 1/2 cups)
- Apple: 1 medium
- Blueberries: 80 grams (1/2 cup)
- Avocado Oil: 50 grams (1/4 cup) + extra for greasing
- Stevia Sweetener: 20 grams (2 tablespoons)
- Egg Whites: 2 large
- Hot Water: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Vinegar: 2 teaspoons
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparation of the Oats
- Soften the Oats: Place the oat flakes in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the hot water and gently stir with a spatula to ensure all the oats are moistened. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the oats to absorb the water and soften. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and cohesive batter.
Step 2: Main Mix
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg whites to the hydrated oats, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Add the stevia sweetener, vanilla extract, and 50 grams of avocado oil to the mixture. Stir thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous consistency. This ensures the dessert has an even texture and sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Incorporate the Apple and Blueberries
- Prepare the Apple: Peel the apple, remove the core, and slice it into thin pieces. This allows the apple to blend well with the other ingredients and cook evenly.
- Mix the Fruit: Add the sliced apple to the oat mixture, stirring carefully to distribute the apple pieces evenly. Next, gently fold in the blueberries, ensuring they are well integrated with the rest of the ingredients. This step ensures that every bite of the dessert will have a bit of fruit.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Mold
- Grease the Mold: Lightly grease a rectangular glass baking mold with a splash of avocado oil. This step is essential to prevent the dessert from sticking to the mold, making it easier to remove and serve once baked.
- Transfer the Mixture: Pour the oat and fruit mixture into the greased mold. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring a uniform thickness across the entire mold for even baking.
Step 5: Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot enough to properly bake the dessert.
- Bake the Dessert: Place the mold in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the dessert, looking for a golden brown color on the top, which indicates it’s done. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Dessert: Once baking is complete, carefully remove the mold from the oven. Cover the dessert with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This step helps the dessert set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Oatmeal, Apple, and Blueberry Dessert can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. For a more indulgent touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of nuts on top before baking.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming the dessert is cut into 8 pieces):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 5g
This dessert is low in calories and high in fiber and protein, making it a nutritious choice that satisfies sweet cravings without the added sugar. It’s perfect for those on a health-conscious diet or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, guilt-free treat.
Tips for the Perfect Healthy Dessert
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of stevia based on your personal preference. If you like a sweeter dessert, you can increase the stevia or add a bit of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Add Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warming touch.
- Optional Add-Ins: Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the additional calories and sugars if you’re keeping the dessert strictly healthy.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold as a quick snack or breakfast on the go.
Enjoy this easy, healthy, and delicious Oatmeal, Apple, and Blueberry Dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!