Experience the ultimate guilt-free indulgence with this incredible no-bake layered cake that will satisfy your sweet cravings without any refined sugar! This decadent dessert combines creamy custard, tart cherry filling, and rich chocolate in perfect harmony, proving that healthy desserts can be absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Oat Base:
- 2 cups (200g) quick-cooking oatmeal
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Walnuts to taste, chopped
For the Custard:
- 3 eggs
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Sweetener to taste (stevia, erythritol, or preferred sugar substitute)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1-1½ cups (200g) fresh or frozen cherries
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Sugar-free dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Oat Mixture
- Toast the oats: In a large dry pan over medium heat, toast the quick-cooking oatmeal until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add seasonings: Mix in salt, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. Continue toasting for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Making the Custard
- Prepare egg mixture: In a bowl, beat 3 eggs until frothy. Add vanilla extract, salt, and sweetener to taste.
- Make slurry: In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water, stirring until completely smooth.
- Heat milk: In a saucepan over low heat, warm the milk. Gradually add the beaten egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Thicken custard: Add the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring constantly over low heat until the mixture thickens to a consistency similar to low-fat yogurt.
- Finish custard: Remove from heat, add butter if using, and stir until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface and let cool completely.
Preparing the Cherry Filling
- Cook cherries: In a saucepan, combine cherries with sweetener (if desired) and 2 tablespoons water. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Thicken filling: Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and add to the cherries. Stir constantly until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Assembling the Cake
- Reserve mixture: Set aside 4 tablespoons of the oat mixture for the top layer.
- Create base: Mix 4 tablespoons of the remaining oat mixture with 4 tablespoons of custard to create the cake base. Press into the bottom of your serving dish.
- Layer assembly: Create alternating layers in this order:
- Cherry filling layer
- Sprinkle of oat mixture
- Custard layer
- Oat mixture layer
- Cherry filling layer
- Final custard layer (should completely cover oat mixture)
- Top with reserved oat mixture
- Chill: Refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight, to set completely.
Making the Chocolate Topping
- Melt chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave, melt sugar-free chocolate with coconut oil and milk until smooth.
- Cool and grate: Allow chocolate mixture to cool, then grate into fine shavings.
- Final decoration: Before serving, sprinkle chocolate shavings over the cake and garnish with fresh cherries.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 7-8 hours
Servings: 10-12 slices
Nutrition (per slice):
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 0g added
Health Benefits
This revolutionary no-bake cake proves that desserts can be both indulgent and nutritious. The oat base provides beta-glucan fiber that supports heart health and helps regulate blood sugar levels, while the protein-rich custard keeps you satisfied longer. Fresh cherries deliver powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and the elimination of refined sugar makes this treat suitable for those managing their blood sugar or following a low-sugar lifestyle. The combination of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and natural fruit sweetness creates a perfectly balanced dessert that won’t derail your health goals.