Oat and Cocoa Dessert

Indulge in a delightful Oat and Cocoa Dessert that combines wholesome ingredients for a tasty treat. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, and it’s simple enough for beginner bakers. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

  • 120 g (1 ½ cups) rolled oats
  • 250 ml (1 cup) warm milk
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 45 g (½ cup) cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 40 g (1/3 cup) walnuts
  • 75 g (½ cup) dark chocolate for garnish

Directions

  1. Soak the Oats: Pour the warm milk over the rolled oats in a medium bowl. Allow the oats to soak for approximately 10 minutes until softened.
  2. Prepare the Bananas: While the oats are soaking, mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl until smooth. This will add natural sweetness and moisture to your dessert.
  3. Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Then add the mashed bananas to the eggs and mix thoroughly to ensure a smooth consistency.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Once the oats have soaked, add the cocoa powder and baking powder to the oat mixture. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Chop the Walnuts: Roughly chop the walnuts, reserving a handful for garnish later. Incorporate the majority of the chopped walnuts into the wet ingredients and mix gently to combine.
  6. Mix Everything Together: Pour the oat mixture into the egg and banana mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are well mixed, ensuring not to overmix.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Prepare the Chocolate Garnish: Once the cake has cooled, melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled dessert evenly.
  9. Garnish: Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts on top of the melted chocolate and allow it to set before serving.

Nutritional Information

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Approximate Nutrition per Serving:
    • Calories: 180
    • Protein: 5g
    • Fat: 7g
    • Carbohydrates: 25g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Sugar: 3g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Ripe Bananas Are Key: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The browner they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your dessert will be.
  2. Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently rather than stirring vigorously to keep the texture light and fluffy.
  3. Storage Secrets: Keep your dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It can also be frozen for longer storage; simply thaw before serving.

Possible Variations

  1. Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
  2. Dairy-Free Delight: Replace the warm milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk to make this dessert dairy-free while still keeping it deliciously moist.

Enjoy this Oat and Cocoa Dessert as a wholesome treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!