This Oatmeal, Carrot, and Apple Bread is a delightful, wholesome treat that combines the natural sweetness of fruits and the richness of oats. Topped with a creamy sugar-free white chocolate glaze and a crunchy almond sprinkle, this bread offers a nutritious and delicious option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The blend of apples, carrots, and oats ensures a moist texture, while the topping adds a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 100g (3.5 oz) oatmeal (ground in a blender)
- 1 carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 90 ml water
- 1 banana (peeled)
- Sweetener to taste (e.g., stevia)
- 2 eggs
- 10g baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 40g dried apricots (soaked in cold water for 15 minutes)
- 100g dried cranberries (soaked in cold water for 15 minutes)
For the Topping:
- 30g (1 oz) sugar-free white chocolate (melted over a double boiler)
- 1.5 tbsp sugar-free yogurt
- 30g almonds (finely chopped)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Begin by preparing the oatmeal. Place the oatmeal in a blender and grind it until it reaches a fine consistency, similar to flour. This will serve as the base of your bread, giving it a hearty texture and boosting its nutritional value.
Next, in the same blender, add the chopped carrot, peeled and cored apples, and 90 ml of water. Blend these ingredients together until smooth, creating a puree that will add moisture and natural sweetness to your bread. Once blended, add the peeled banana and blend again until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
2. Make the Bread Batter
Transfer the fruit and vegetable puree into a large mixing bowl. To this mixture, add sweetener to your taste preference. Depending on your choice of sweetener, the quantity may vary, so adjust accordingly. Crack in the eggs, add the 10g of baking powder, and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and slightly thick batter.
Drain the soaked dried apricots and cranberries. Chop them finely before folding them into the batter. These dried fruits will add bursts of flavor and texture throughout the bread, complementing the moist crumb with their chewy sweetness.
3. Bake the Bread
Prepare a 20 x 7 cm loaf pan by lightly greasing it with olive or vegetable oil. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that it is fully cooked through.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool completely before adding the topping.
4. Prepare the Topping
While the bread is cooling, prepare the topping by melting the sugar-free white chocolate over a double boiler. Ensure that the chocolate is melted smoothly without any lumps. Once fully melted, stir in the 1.5 tablespoons of sugar-free yogurt, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Finely chop the almonds, which will provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth white chocolate topping.
5. Assemble and Serve
Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the melted white chocolate and yogurt mixture over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an appealing presentation. Immediately sprinkle the chopped almonds over the top of the chocolate, ensuring they stick to the moist topping.
Allow the topping to set before slicing the bread. This ensures the toppings stay intact when serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 15 g
Yield: 8-10 servings
This Oatmeal, Carrot, and Apple Bread is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious addition to your diet. Packed with fruits, oats, and a sugar-free topping, it’s a wholesome option that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for any time of the day, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
